Vaccine hesitancy among nurses in the Marche Region

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• Vaccine hesitancy is a significant global health threat identified by the World Health Organization.
• The Italian Government mandated COVID-19 vaccination for healthcare workers starting April 1, 2021, with suspension for non-compliance.
• This study investigates vaccine hesitancy among nurses in the Marche Region one year into the vaccination campaign.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the prevalence and characteristics of vaccine hesitancy among nurses in the Marche Region.
• To assess the impact of the mandatory vaccination policy on vaccine uptake among healthcare professionals.

Main Methods:

• An observational study design was employed.
• Data were collected from all nurses registered with the National Federation of Nursing Professions Orders in the Marche Region.
• Information was gathered from provincial FNOPI Presidents for Pesaro-Urbino, Ancona, Macerata, and Fermo between December 27, 2021, and January 1, 2022.

Main Results:

• 1.34% of 9,611 registered nurses were suspended for refusing vaccination.
• Suspended nurses were predominantly female (73.6%) and aged 40-59 years.
• A north-south gradient in vaccine hesitancy was observed, with higher suspension rates in northern provinces (Pesaro-Urbino: 1.73%) compared to southern ones (Fermo: 0.71%).

Conclusions:

• The study confirms vaccine hesitancy exists within the nursing population.
• The mandatory vaccination policy led to higher adherence among nurses compared to the general population in the Marche Region.
• Despite the mandate, complete vaccination coverage was not achieved across all nursing staff.