COVID-19 vaccine uptake and predictors of hesitancy among healthcare workers in Côte d’Ivoire

Background: Vaccine hesitancy hinders COVID-19 control, especially among healthcare workers (HCWs). Aim: This study examined factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine uptake and hesitancy among HCWs in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Setting: The study was conducted among healthcare workers in Abidjan, the capital city of Côte d’Ivoire. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to June 2023 in Abidjan. A total of 240 HCWs completed a questionnaire on vaccination attitudes, hesitancy factors and willingness to recommend vaccines. Descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) at a 95% confidence interval. Results: Among participants, 57.5% were female, with a median age of 40 years (IQR: 33–45). HCWs included physicians (26.7%), nurses/midwives (22.5%) and pharmaceutical staff (19.2%). They worked in teaching hospitals (23.3%), general hospitals (30.8%) and community hospitals (45.8%). Vaccine uptake was 73.3%, with 53.3% fully vaccinated and only 4.6% receiving a booster dose. However, 42.1% exhibited vaccine hesitancy, mainly due to concerns about side effects (52.2%). While 55.0% would recommend the vaccine, only 46.3% felt confident addressing patient questions. Age was positively correlated with vaccine uptake: HCWs aged 35–44 years, 45–54 years and 55–65 years were 1.60, 1.68 and 1.78, respectively times more likely to be vaccinated, respectively, compared to those aged 22–34 years. Conclusion: Vaccine hesitancy (25%) and low booster uptake (4.6%) highlight the need for targeted education and pharmacovigilance. Strengthening HCWs vaccine knowledge and trust is essential for epidemic control. Contribution: This study underscores the importance of Ministry of Health-led interventions to improve HCWs vaccination rates in Africa.