INTRODUCTION: Sufficiently high vaccination coverage is required to effectively curb the spread of COVID-19. Since the vaccination rate among the Slovenian working population is low (approximately 40% on June 2021), the aim was to determine the interest and motivators for vaccination, reasons that discourage workers from vaccination, the sources of information people trust most and to discover how to convince undecided workers. These results can help to adjust vaccination promotion strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, we analyzed 910 surveys completed in July 2020 by employees with SPSS, using methods of descriptive statistics and chi-squared test. RESULTS: 58% of the respondents had already been vaccinated at least once. A further 13.2% wanted to get vaccinated, while 17.5% were still hesitant and 11.3% refused to be vaccinated. The hesitant group is most often deterred by distrust of COVID-19 vaccines, including the inability to choose a vaccine and fear of side effects. Contrarily, they were most motivated by concern for their own and their loved ones' health. They would most likely be convinced by having more trustworthy data and with a free choice of a vaccine. The most trustworthy sources of information are from medical experts and doctors. CONCLUSIONS: According to the motivators and factors that could convince hesitant employees, is that the vaccination promotion strategy should emphasize research that reinforces health benefits of vaccination, reducing the fear of side effects and increase the confidence, of the wider public, in vaccines. At present, a free choice of vaccine is possible.
COVID-19 vaccination intention, confidence and hesitancy among working population in Slovenia: A Cross-Sectional Survey