Exploring determinants of vaccine hesitancy among healthcare professionals: a systematic literature review.
Valeria Gabellone, Fabiana Nuccetelli, Elisa Gabrielli et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic literature review examined determinants of vaccine hesitancy among healthcare professionals, including knowledge, attitudes, communication, and organizational factors. The authors searched PubMed and Scopus in February 2024 and included 221 articles from 1394 records. Hesitancy prevalence varied across studies, reflecting differences in professional roles, settings, and vaccines. Commonly reported determinants were knowledge gaps, personal beliefs, organizational barriers, and communication skills. The review concludes that education and organizational interventions may help improve healthcare professionals’ vaccination-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
Key findings
- The review included 221 articles from 1394 records identified through the systematic search.
- Reported vaccine hesitancy prevalence varied across studies by professional role, setting, and vaccine studied.
- Frequently identified determinants included knowledge gaps, personal beliefs, organizational barriers, and communication skills.
Why it matters
Healthcare professionals’ vaccine hesitancy may affect their own vaccination-related practices and their role in discussing vaccination with patients. The review points to educational, communication, and organizational factors as relevant areas for understanding hesitancy. Recognizing that determinants vary across roles and settings may help shape training and support that better fit different healthcare contexts.
What to keep in mind
The review reports substantial variation across included studies in professional roles, settings, and vaccines, limiting direct comparison of hesitancy prevalence.