Acceptance of booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine and factors influencing it among health care workers at Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Background</h3> The COVID-19 booster dose (BD) was introduced to enhance protection after the initial vaccination series. However, its acceptance remains low, particularly among healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aimed to assess BD acceptance among HCWs at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and identify the factors influencing their decision. <h3>Methodology</h3> A cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 HCWs from May to June 2022. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and a convenient sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using SPSS version 25. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with BD acceptance. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 399 HCWs completed the survey, with 51.4 % male, 80.5 % health professionals, and 60.2 % aged 18–30 years. More than half had no prior COVID-19 infection. Despite 86.5 % holding favorable attitudes toward BD, only 28.6 % accepted it. BD acceptance was significantly higher among HCWs aged 31–40 years (AOR = 2.21), 41–50 years (AOR = 4.14), and over 50 years (AOR = 6.00) compared to those aged 18–30 years. Married individuals (AOR = 1.82), those with post-vaccination COVID-19 infection (AOR = 1.94), and those with a favorable attitude toward BD (AOR = 16.74) were more likely to accept it. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Less than one-third of HCWs accepted the COVID-19 BD. Older age, marital status, prior post-vaccination COVID-19 infection, and positive attitudes toward vaccination were significant predictors. Low acceptance among HCWs may influence public confidence in immunization, necessitating targeted interventions to improve uptake.