Views and Challenges of COVID-19 Vaccination in the Primary Health Care Sector. A Qualitative Study

Vaccines (Basel). 2023 Apr 5;11(4):803. doi: 10.3390/vaccines11040803.

Abstract

COVID-19 has affected the global community as it has severely raised population mortality and morbidity rates. Vaccination was seen as a mechanism against the spread of the pandemic. Yet, there are still several reservations about its adoption. Professionals in the field of health care have a crucial frontline role. The present study uses a qualitative research approach to examine Greek health professionals' views on vaccination acceptance. According to the key findings, health professionals largely accept vaccination. The main reasons cited were scientific knowledge, a sense of obligation to society, and protection from disease. However, there are still numerous restrictions to adhering to it. This is due to the lack of knowledge of certain scientific disciplines or to misinformation, as well as to religious or political convictions. The issue of trust is central to the acceptance of vaccinations. According to our research, the most adequate strategy to enhance immunization and ensure that it is widely accepted is to promote health educational interventions for professionals working in primary care settings.

Keywords: COVID-19; Greece; adherence; health professionals; primary care; qualitative study; vaccination.

Grants and funding

This research was funded by the Special Account for Research Funds of the Hellenic Mediterranean University.