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

Author

Listed:
  • Dhirisha Naidoo

    (BroadReach Health Development, Bridgeway Precinct, Century City, Cape Town 7441, South Africa
    Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa)

  • Bernard Hope Taderera

    (Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Dhirisha Naidoo & Bernard Hope Taderera, 2025. "A Quantitative Study on Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in a Mandatory Vaccination Workplace Setting in South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(6), pages 1-12, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:6:p:929-:d:1677464
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eustes Kigongo & Amir Kabunga & Raymond Tumwesigye & Marvin Musinguzi & Ronald Izaruku & Walter Acup, 2023. "Prevalence and predictors of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among healthcare workers in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(7), pages 1-14, July.
    2. Michelle Engelbrecht & Christo Heunis & Gladys Kigozi, 2022. "COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in South Africa: Lessons for Future Pandemics," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-13, May.
    3. Agnessa Kozak & Albert Nienhaus, 2021. "COVID-19 Vaccination: Status and Willingness to Be Vaccinated among Employees in Health and Welfare Care in Germany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-14, June.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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