Vaccine uptake patterns for COVID-19 and cholera among healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study in Yaoundé-Cameroon

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection and play a critical role in influencing public vaccine acceptance. This study aimed to assess vaccination coverage and identify the determinants of vaccine uptake among healthcare workers in Cameroon, in order to inform targeted strategies to strengthen immunization programs and improve epidemic preparedness. Among 406 participants (75.6% female, 65.5% aged 30–44 years, 61.3% nurses), 42.4% were fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while only 4.7% had completed the cholera vaccine series. Coverage varied across districts, with Biyem-Assi (53.0%) and Odza (46.0%) recording the highest COVID-19 uptake, and Nkolndongo (11.5%) leading for cholera vaccination. Independent predictors of COVID-19 uptake included being a nurse (aOR = 3.20; 95% CI: 1.75–5.96; p ˂ 0.001) and laboratory technician professions (aOR = 3.67; 95% CI: 1.69–8.19; p = 0.001). For cholera vaccination, age group was associated with uptake although this was statistically not significant ( p = 0.106 and 0.807). Nearly two-thirds of HCWs (62.8%) perceived their work environment as high-risk, knowledge of recommended vaccines was limited, with only 18.7% aware of cholera vaccination recommendations. Strengthening vaccine education and improving accessibility could enhance vaccine acceptance among HCWs. These findings provide important insights for designing targeted immunization strategies in Cameroon and similar contexts.