The CDC’s management and COVID-19 vaccine recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic: A healthcare worker’s perspective

The CDC’s COVID-19 pandemic guidelines affected everyone, especially healthcare workers (HCWs) due to the high exposure risks, long hours and stress during the pandemic. Thus, understanding HCWs perceptions and acceptance of these guidelines were crucial to patient outcomes. Our goal was to investigate HCWs views on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) management of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine recommendations.<b> </b>Data were collected from an online survey of HCWs in Pennsylvania (August 2022 - February 2023). Eligible participants (n=580) aged 21+, reported COVID-19 vaccination status and time of first vaccination.<b> </b>Participants (n=580) were 83% female and 92% White. From our sample, 71% provided direct care, 57% lived in a suburban area, and 85% had received at least one dose of the vaccine. HCWs had mixed perceptions of the CDC's management of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine recommendations. Positive perceptions on pandemic management highlighted clear communication, a science-driven approach, and an effective crisis response. Criticisms included overregulation of mask mandates, politicization, and continuously changing policies. Regarding vaccine recommendations, positive perceptions included timely distribution, accessibility, affordability, and clear communication, while criticisms included vaccine mandates, politicization, perceived lack of scientific basis, and inconsistent messaging.<b> </b>Future recommendations for the CDC regarding outbreaks would be hiring communication experts to help ensure framing of communication is free from perceived political bias. The CDC should continue to maintain communication with HCWs and focus on providing evidence-based information during future pandemics.