Abstract
Objective: To investigate disparities in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine awareness and vaccination rates according to workplace characteristics. Methods: A survey conducted from August to November 2021 among 106 dental hygienists was used to investigate COVID-19 vaccination rates, general and workplace characteristics, COVID-19-related workplace characteristics and awareness. T-tests and ANOVA were used to determine differences in awareness based on general and workplace characteristics, while chi-square analysis was used to examine differences in inoculation rates (α=0.05). Results: 86 participants (81.1%) had been vaccinated. Vaccination was recommended in 84.0% of workplaces, although 54.7% reported being unable to change their work schedule post-vaccination. Fifty-five (64.0%) participants indicated having obtained vaccination information from their institution. Awareness of vaccination (35.12±3.58 points) was higher when workplace characteristics included vaccination recommendations. Statistically significant higher inoculation rates were observed when the average number of daily patients was 41 or more (87.8%), when the institution had infection control guidelines, when work schedules could be adjusted post-vaccination, and when COVID-19 patients visited the workplace (
