Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to identify factors that affect healthcare workers' (HCWs) vaccine hesitancy and the subsequent changes in psychological well-being. STUDY DESIGN: 800 employees (207 M; 14 aged ≤ 25; 145 aged 26-35; 381 aged 36-55; 260 aged > 55 years) were recruited from the San Martino Hospital during the first months 2021. METHODS: HCWs were asked to fill in an online survey assessing (a) demographics, (b) having contracted COVID-19 infection, (c) vaccination history (against COVID-19 and influenza), (d) expected changes in psychological well-being, (e) vaccine hesitancy and (f) factors leading to a decision about the vaccine (Information Trust, Information Seeking, Fear for the Self, and Sense of Responsibility). RESULTS: We found that, in vaccinated HCW, years of employment and adherence to the influenza vaccine indirectly affected vaccine hesitancy. These effects were mediated by HCWs' sense of responsibility and information trust. Moreover, while information trust promoted positive changes in psychological well-being, vaccine hesitancy negatively affected it. CONCLUSIONS: The present study consistently points to the crucial role of trusting information and having a sense of responsibility on vaccine hesitancy and, consequently, on psychological well-being. We discuss the practical implications for public health of these findings. In the conclusions, we suggest short-term and long-term strategies for improving vaccine adherence.