Abstract

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus-2-novel coronavirus termed as COVID 19 is a major outbreak which was deleterious globally created a rapid cases of pulmonary infectious disease that caused the SARS. Building up confidence in vaccination depends on the interaction between public and doctors. Attitude toward usage of vaccination by healthcare workers (HCWs) is a major factor that is associated with general public acceptance of vaccination, fidelity to schedules, and devoid of hesitation/aversion. In addition, vaccinated HCWs also have a perceptible effect of decisiveness in general public to take a vaccine.

Aims and Objectives: To understand the knowledge, attitude and practices on COVID vaccine among HCWs.

Materials and Methods: This is a hospital-based, observational cross-sectional study done in Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, Teaching hospital, Hassan. A sample of 340 HCWs who have been vaccinated 1st dose of inactivated COVID Vaccine was taken up for the study. A predesigned questionnaire was prepared and given to all the HCWs in the observation period of 30 min after vaccination. The questionnaire had 13 questions, and the data were collected and analyzed. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistical analysis.

Results: This study was done in a district hospital, Hassan, Karnataka with a sample size of 340 HCWs participated in the study and completed the study questionnaire, out of which 146 men (43.4%) and 190 women (56.54%). Willingness to take the vaccine is 96%. 93.4% of HCWs encourage others to take vaccine. Our institution arranged a adverse events following immunization reporting and monitoring team management and 93.9% of the HCWs knew where to report if any adverse events occur in the observation period of 30 min after vaccination and also after going back to their respective homes through a telephone number and also this will help knowing the and acceptability of the vaccines.

Conclusion: HCWs play an influential role in general public vaccination program. The information from this study will help to gain more knowledge and also allow the general public to future vaccination acceptability. The approach of HCWs might help in creating awareness and preventing false information about COVID vaccine among general public.

Key words: Inactivated COVID Vaccine; COVID 19; Healthcare Worker; Vaccination; Knowledge; Attitude and Practices