Reasons for hesitancy to take COVID-19 vaccine: A survey amongst healthcare workers

Background: Concern about vaccine hesitancy is growing worldwide. Vaccine hesitancy can have effects for both the individual and the community, especially in the context of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: A 16-item questionnaire was administered to 385 healthcare workers to find out the reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Results: Their mean age was 36.6 ± 9.6 years. 'Fear of getting side effects' (61.8%) was the most common reason for vaccine hesitancy, followed by reasons such as 'to wait and observe for some more time' (60.3%), 'doubts on safety and efficacy of vaccine' (49.4%), 'The intensity of COVID-19 has come down' (36.6%), 'self-perception of having good immunity' (33.8%), 'need to apply for leave' (30.3%) and 'Fear of death' (29.0%). 'To wait and observe for some more time' was the major reason for hesitancy amongst men. Security guards were more hesitant to take the vaccine, because of side effects, whereas doctors and sanitary workers wanted to wait and observe for some more time. Conclusions: Factors identified in the present study need to be addressed for overcoming vaccine hesitancy.