Standing alone: experiences of vaccine-hesitant Danish healthcare professionals during COVID-19

Scand J Public Health. 2023 Jul;51(5):711-717. doi: 10.1177/14034948221113645. Epub 2022 Aug 29.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of Danish healthcare professionals who were hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Methods: Interviews were conducted over the telephone in January and February 2021.

Results: Healthcare professionals experienced the need to avoid impossible conversations about vaccine hesitancy with their colleagues. They felt a lack of knowledge of long-term experience with the vaccine and a need to balance trust in themselves and the authorities.

Conclusions: Healthcare professionals who were hesitant towards the COVID-19 vaccine felt they had to keep their concerns to themselves and felt isolated and pressured by their managers. This study is especially important for managers, who must ensure a trusting working environment in which employees can discuss their concerns without feeling pressured.

Keywords: Attitudes; COVID-19; corona; vaccination; vaccine hesitancy.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Communication
  • Denmark
  • Humans
  • Vaccination Hesitancy

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines