Standing alone: experiences of vaccine-hesitant Danish healthcare professionals during COVID-19

Abstract

Aim:

The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of Danish healthcare professionals who were hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Methods:

Interviews were conducted over the telephone in January and February 2021.

Results:

Healthcare professionals experienced the need to avoid impossible conversations about vaccine hesitancy with their colleagues. They felt a lack of knowledge of long-term experience with the vaccine and a need to balance trust in themselves and the authorities.

Conclusions:

Healthcare professionals who were hesitant towards the COVID-19 vaccine felt they had to keep their concerns to themselves and felt isolated and pressured by their managers. This study is especially important for managers, who must ensure a trusting working environment in which employees can discuss their concerns without feeling pressured.