COVID-19 vaccination coverage among female healthcare workers: a look at the gender gap

The COVID-19 vaccine coverage has been shown to differ by gender, with females being more hesitant to vaccinate, even among healthcare workers. This study aimed to assess female healthcare workers' COVID-19 vaccination coverage and anti-vaccination attitudes. We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire. We included healthcare workers from various professions and examined their sociodemographic characteristics and anti-vaccination attitudes using the Vaccination Attitudes Examination Scale and COVID-19 vaccination coverage. In addition, we assessed factors associated with coverage using multivariable analysis. Female healthcare workers had significantly lower vaccine coverage [59.6% (95%CI: 55.5%-63.7%)] than males [74.9% (95%CI: 70.7-78.8%)]. In addition, they have significantly higher anti-vaccination attitudes and lower perceived vaccine knowledge. Vaccine coverage is age-related in female healthcare workers, with 52.7% in the less than 30-year age group and 70.7% in the ≥50-year age group. The age group 40-49 and middle-income category are positively associated with vaccination coverage among female healthcare workers. In contrast, living with a child, having a history of COVID-19 infection, mistrust of vaccine benefits, and worries about unforeseen effects are all associated with lower coverage. In conclusion, female healthcare workers have significantly lower vaccine coverage, especially for the younger age groups, associated with mistrust of vaccine benefits and worries about unforeseen effects. These findings highlight the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy among female HCWs as part of efforts to improve COVID-19 vaccination; evidence-based communications tailored to their concerns are needed.