COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance by Occupations in Egypt, Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and coverage are essential measures to prevent its transmission, particularly at workplace. The aim of the study was to assess the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among various occupations in Egypt. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted across Egypt from 1st of October to 1st of November 2021 to assess the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among various occupations. Self-administered online questionnaire that included questions about the respondents’ occupational titles and their willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Results: A total 1606 participants were included. The mean age was 41.3 ± 11.7 years and 53.4% were males. The most common occupations were healthcare (26.3%), educational (16.5%), engineering (13.9%), and office and administrative support (12.5%). Approximately 80.2% of the participants accepted to take the vaccine. Healthcare practitioners had significantly higher acceptance than other occupations (85.6% versus 78.3%, p=0.001). Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations (28.3% versus 81.7%, p<0.001) as well as transportation occupations (59.4% versus 81.1%, p<0.001) had significantly lower acceptance than other occupations. Multivariate analysis revealed that the participants’ educational level (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.08-2.05) and monthly income (OR:2.78, 95% CI:1.24-6.10) were significantly associated with willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccine acceptance differed significantly by occupation of the respondents. The higher acceptance of healthcare practitioners may be related to their perceived risk. Despite the limitations of online survey study design, this study recommends conducting COVID-19 vaccine awareness programs for occupations with lower acceptance rate such as agricultural and transportation workers.