A Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) study was conducted at the end of May 2021 engaging 1456 healthcare workers (HCWs) from 20 hospitals throughout Greece. Acceptance of vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was estimated at 77.7%, with lower vaccine acceptance identified in nurses compared to physicians. Fears related to vaccine safety, lack of information and general knowledge about vaccinations, influenza vaccine acceptance, education level and years of practice were among the factors independently associated with vaccine acceptance. A strong association was identified between vaccination of HCWs in each health region and the population coverage, indicating that HCWs may be role models for the general population. Information campaigns should continue despite decisions taken regarding mandatory vaccinations.

Background: Τhe study aims to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and to investigate knowledge and perceptions of Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) personnel, who acted as pioneers in the national COVID-19 vaccination strategy. Methods and Materials: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted by distributing an online anonymous questionnaire comprising 25 questions during the first semester of 2021. Results: Approximately 85.3% of the 1136 respondents (response rate 28.4%) were vaccinated or intended to be. The acceptance of seasonal flu vaccine (aOR: 3.29, 95%CI: 2.08–5.20), correct COVID-19 vaccine knowledge (aOR: 8.37, 95%CI: 4.81–14.59) and lack of concern regarding vaccine novelty (aOR: 6.18, 95%CI: 3.91–9.77) were positively correlated with vaccine acceptance. Vaccinated respondents were more likely to be physicians (aOR: 2.29, 95%CI: 1.03–5.09) or administrative staff (aOR: 2.65, 95%CI: 1.18–5.97) compared to nursing stuff. Reasons for vaccine hesitancy included inadequate information (37.8%) and vaccine safety (31.9%). Vaccine acceptance was strongly correlated (Spearman’s correlation coefficient r = 0.991, p < 0.001) between PHCC personnel and the general population of each health district. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among PHCC personnel in Greece was comparably high, but specific groups (nurses) were hesitant. As the survey’s target population could serve as a role model for the community, efforts should be made to improve COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.

Background: Seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) of health care workers (HCWs) is critical in protecting patients’ and HCWs’ health. Our objective was to examine HCW SIV coverage and related determinants. Methods and Materials: A nationwide cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among HCWs during the first half of 2021. The questionnaire (online or paper-based) included knowledge, attitude and practice questions regarding SIV, COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination. Results: Out of 6500 questionnaires administered, 2592 were completed (response rate: 39.9%). SIV coverage reached 69.4% (95% CI: 67.6–71.2%) based on self-reported vaccine uptake. Nurses and administrative staff were found to be more skeptical and have lower vaccine acceptance in comparison with physicians (aOR = 0.66 and aQR = 0.59, respectively). Other SIV hesitancy risk factors included working in secondary health care (aOR = 0.59) and working in northern Greece (aQR = 0.66). Determinants for SIV acceptance included being or living with high-risk people due to medical history (aOR = 1.84 and aOR = 1.46, respectively), positive attitudes towards routine vaccinations (aOR: 1.86), knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines (aOR = 1.53) and COVID-19 vaccine uptake (aOR = 3.45). The primary reason for SIV refusal was low risk perception (58.7%). Conclusions: SIV coverage (2020/2021) was relatively high, but remained far from formal recommendations. Specific occupational groups were skeptical and low-risk perception was the main reason for vaccine refusal. Targeted policies should be developed and enforced.

Background: Workers in healthcare facilities can encourage and serve as role models for the general population regarding vaccination. The information source preferences of employees in healthcare facilities can play an important role in their decisions to receive COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccinations (SIVs). A study of specific channels of information and their impact on vaccine acceptance could provide valuable insights. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted during the first semester of 2021 among 2592 staff members in healthcare facilities (primary, secondary and tertiary). Results: Higher odds of seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) acceptance were found among staff who were informed by the National Public Health Organization (NPHO) (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 1.47, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.13–1.90), the Hellenic Ministry of Health (HMH) (aOR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.16–1.94) and the Healthcare Facilities Infection Control Committees (ICC) (aOR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.06–1.73). Professionals who were more willing to accept a COVID-19 vaccine were more likely to obtain information from television (aOR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.08–1.92), the ICC (aOR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.03–1.81), the NPHO (aOR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.28–2.28) and the HMH (aOR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.26–2.26). Social media presented no statistically significant association with either COVID-19 vaccine acceptance or SIV. Conclusions: Workers in healthcare facilities who received information from highly credible organizations were more likely to accept vaccines. Television was effective in disseminating COVID-19 vaccine campaigns.