Attitude towards vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 Survey among employees in hospitals before and after the start of vaccinations in German hospitals

Background The vaccinations against the "severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2" (SARS-CoV-2) play a decisive role in the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic. In the population, but also among health care workers (HCWs), there were concerns and skepticism about vaccinations even before the corona pandemic. Methods An online survey on the attitude of HCWs to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 was carried out in December (December 3rd-December 12th, 2020) before and in February (February 1st-February 10th, 2021) after the start of the vaccinations. Members of the German Society for Internal Intensive Care Medicine and Emergency Medicine (DGIIN) and the German Interdisciplinary Association for Intensive Care Medicine and Emergency Medicine (DIVI) were invited by email and on Facebook. Results In December 2305 and in February 3501 people took part. The approval rate for vaccination increased from 85.2% to 92.1% (p < 0.001). There was also an increase in willingness to vaccinate (63.8% vs. 75.9%; p < 0.001). The female gender, membership of the professional group nursing staff and age < 45 years were significantly associated with a restricted willingness to vaccinate. There was also a decrease in concerns about efficacy, side effects and long-term damage. There was clear skepticism about the vaccine from AstraZeneca (Cambridge, United Kingdom). Before and after the introduction of vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2, an increase in the willingness to vaccinate against SARS-CoV-2 can be shown in German HCWs. Technical experts must bring objectivity into the currently controversial debate through precise and transparent information and thus counteract vaccination skepticism, not only among HCWs.