References
Abstract
Background:
Vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus is an essential contributor to ending the pandemic. Acceptance of the vaccine among emergency medical service (EMS) professionals is largely unknown.
Methods:
A survey was distributed to EMS professionals. Participants responded to questions about their experiences of COVID-19, if they had received a COVID-19 vaccine, and personal reasons behind their decision for having it. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and multivariate logistic regression was used to produce adjusted odds ratios.
Findings:
A total of 1087 survey responses were collected. Among respondents, 65% had received a full COVID-19 vaccine dose and 33% had not. Of those who had not, 81% said they were unlikely or very unlikely to receive a vaccine. Certification level, age and education were statistically significant factors for vaccine acceptance.
Conclusion:
Age, education and certification level are statistically significant factors in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among EMS professionals. Additional research is needed to identify best practices to combat vaccine hesitancy.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the management and delivery of prehospital emergency medical care (Lerner et al, 2020). Emergency medical service (EMS) professionals are often on the first line of patient care, responding to 911 calls for medical or traumatic complaints. The nature of the work means emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics often have to provide care while being physically close to patients (e.g. inside a patient's home or within the compact compartment of an ambulance) for extended periods and in relatively poorly ventilated confines. Because of this intimate professional environment, EMTs and paramedics are at substantial risk of exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus (Gamio, 2020).
Vaccines for the COVID-19 virus are crucial for the protection of health professionals and the general population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) unequivocally advises all practitioners, including EMTs and paramedics, to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (Dooling et al, 2020).
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