The COVID-19 pandemic had a global impact, and vaccination has emerged as one of the main strategies to curb the crisis. In Congo, mistrust of vaccination, especially among healthcare workers, has hindered the campaign. This study aims to understand the representations and perceptions of nurses at Saint Joseph Hospital in Limete regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Method : A qualitative phenomenological approach was used. Participants were nurses from the COVID-19 and intensive care units, recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and then manually analyzed by thematic content. Results : Twenty-four nurses participated. Two major trends emerged: an initial refusal of vaccination, fueled by misinformation, fear of side effects, and the perception of professional injustice (feeling like "guinea pigs" or victims of inequalities), followed by a gradual shift toward better acceptance linked to awareness of professional risk. However, fears persist, including suspicion of political manipulation, fear of sterilization or poisoning, and uncertainty about vaccine quality. Healthcare workers call for strategies to dispel concerns and desire non-exclusive vaccination. Discussion : Nurses' hesitation toward vaccination reflects low health literacy and the importance of a climate of trust. Their partial acceptance highlights the need for tailored information and better management of rumors. This study highlights the necessity to strengthen education and communication about vaccines among nurses, key actors in the health response. Promoting transparent information and combating fake news are essential to improve vaccine uptake and the management of future health crises.
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