Unlocking the keys to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance: insights from healthcare workers and the general population

Widespread vaccine acceptance is crucial, particularly with emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19. This study assesses COVID-19 vaccine willingness and its influencing factors among healthcare workers (HCWs) and non-HCWs in Lebanon. In November 2020, a web-based survey was conducted among Lebanese adults using snowball sampling. Participants completed an anonymous Arabic questionnaire covering sociodemographics, health status, vaccine intentions, and the Health Belief Model. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in HCWs and non-HCWs. Of 2802 participants, 51.5% intended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. HCWs (65.8%) were more willing than non-HCWs (47%). Factors positively linked to acceptance included older age, marital status, urban residence, recent influenza vaccination, heightened susceptibility and benefit perception, concerns about vaccine access, and health authority recommendations. Conversely, vaccine refusal history, safety concerns, and side effect worries reduced intention. Among non-HCWs, female gender, religiosity, and manufacturer reliability concerns, negatively affected acceptance. Good knowledge, public vaccine intake, and self-motivation were positive factors. HCWs were unaffected by these factors. Addressing the concerns and misconceptions surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine, especially among non-HCWs, while promoting the benefits of vaccination, is essential to enhance COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Lebanon to achieve broader immunization coverage and pandemic control. in the community.