Are surgeons ready to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• COVID-19 vaccination programs are underway globally, yet vaccine hesitancy remains a significant public health challenge.
• Surgeons, as frontline healthcare professionals, are a key demographic for vaccination efforts.
• Understanding vaccine hesitancy and concerns within the surgical community is vital for targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the level of vaccination hesitancy among Belgian surgeons.
• To identify the primary concerns and information gaps influencing surgeons' decisions regarding COVID-19 vaccination.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous 16-question survey was distributed to 138 Belgian surgeons prior to vaccine rollout.
• The survey collected data on surgeon demographics, COVID-19 status, and opinions/concerns about the vaccine.
• Response rates and statistical significance were analyzed.

Main Results:

• 67.4% of surgeons completed the survey, with two-thirds being residents.
• 74.2% of surgeons expressed willingness to be vaccinated, but 45.2% felt they lacked sufficient information.
• Key concerns included vaccine effectiveness (26.9%) and safety/side effects (19.4%).

Conclusions:

• A majority of surgeons are amenable to COVID-19 vaccination, but a notable portion expresses hesitancy.
• Information deficits significantly correlate with vaccine skepticism among surgeons.
• Developing robust communication strategies is essential to inform, reassure, and encourage vaccination among this professional group.