A Quantitative Study on Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in a Mandatory Vaccination Workplace Setting in South Africa

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in significant morbidity and mortality globally. Despite the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in reducing morbidity and mortality, uptake in South Africa was sub-optimal due to a number of factors which remain not fully understood, particularly in mandatory vaccination workplace settings. This quantitative, cross-sectional study aimed to understand determinants of COVID-19 vaccination uptake among clinical and non-clinical workers, aged 18 years and older, employed at a large organisation with a mandatory workplace COVID-19 vaccination policy in South Africa. Workers completed a one-off, self-administered, online questionnaire that explored determinants of COVID-19 vaccination, barriers and enablers to accessing vaccines, and perspectives regarding the mandatory workplace vaccine policy. Among the 88 workers enrolled in the study, the frequent reasons for COVID-19 vaccination included preventing the spread of COVID-19 (71%, n = 62), fear of contracting COVID-19 (64%, n = 56), protecting colleagues and patients (63%, n = 55), and the mandatory workplace policy (65%, n = 57). Just under two-thirds of workers (63%, n = 55) were supportive/very supportive of the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy. Reasons for support included the fact that vaccination would create a safer work environment, protecting oneself/others from acquiring COVID-19, and receiving support from their employer. Only 15% (n = 13) of workers were not supportive/against the policy. The findings of this study could inform occupational health policy and counselling and support in workplaces in future pandemics.