Perception and attitude of COVID 19 Vaccine among Health Care Workers in Iraq 2021

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of certain infectious diseases. It has reduced the associated morbidity and mortality During COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination is a required strategy to overcome this disease especially for healthcare workers (HCWs) given their increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to their occupation.(HCWs) on the other hand they can also transmit the diseases to a highly vulnerable patients.However, vaccination hesitancy is one of the significant obstacles to make this strategy successful.COVID-19 is continuing with its devastating consequences on health, life, and economics.The aim of this study was to explore HCWs’ perceptions and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination including their expectations and views on promoting vaccination to others.Subjects and Methods:Cross sectional study was performed online survey .The questionnaire include socio-demographic characteristics, intensions and obstacles of HCWs to COVID 19 vaccination.Result :324 of HCWs participated in this study. The response rate was 76%. A large proportion of the participants (85%) believed that there is a need for great public awareness regarding COVID-19 vaccine. Participants with high Higher Education had a significant higher proportion (80.6%) of vaccine acceptance than the others (Bachelor degree , Diploma). Doctors had the highest (75.4%) rates of vaccine acceptance among other HCWs,Conclusion: The leading factor that could increase vaccination acceptance among this study participants was to get sufficient and accurate information about the available vaccines.