Assessing hesitancy towards paediatric vaccines among healthcare professionals: A descriptive cross-sectional study from the United Arab Emirates

Background: Vaccination is one of the most effective public health interventions, preventing millions of deaths globally. However, vaccine hesitancy persists, not only among the public, but also among healthcare professionals (HCPs), who serve as key sources of vaccine information. This study assesses HCPs’ vaccination attitudes and estimates the prevalence and determinants of vaccine hesitancy in the UAE. Design and methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study surveyed HCPs across the UAE from March to October 2024 using a 57-item questionnaire adapted from previous literature. Univariate, bivariate (chi-squared test), and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses were conducted. Results: HCPs demonstrated generally positive attitudes towards paediatric vaccinations, with 84.29% expressing confidence in vaccine safety and efficacy. However, significant knowledge gaps were identified, particularly regarding vaccine adjuvants and long-term safety. Hesitancy was highest among mid-level professionals, including nurses, dentists, and pharmacists, with concerns about vaccine safety (47.87%) and adverse effects (57.67%) being major drivers. Additionally, 85.77% exhibited caution towards newly introduced vaccines, preferring to wait for broader community uptake. Time constraints limited vaccine discussions, and 71.9% of HCPs had never received formal training on addressing hesitancy. Conclusion: While HCPs generally support paediatric vaccinations, knowledge gaps and hesitancy towards new vaccines persist. Targeted professional education, particularly in vaccine safety and communication strategies, is crucial to strengthening vaccine advocacy. Addressing these gaps through tailored training programmes may enhance HCPs’ ability to effectively counter vaccine hesitancy and sustain high immunization coverage.