2009–2010 seasonal and pandemic A (H1N1) influenza vaccination among healthcare workers

Understanding the potential impact of COVID-19 on receiving influenza vaccination among healthcare workers (HCWs) is of utmost importance. The purposes of the present cross-sectional study were to describe the characteristics and to explore the predictors of receiving influenza vaccination among a large cohort of Italian HCWs in hospital settings. Information was collected through an anonymous questionnaire from December 2020 through January 2021. General and practice characteristics, perceived risk of seasonal influenza, attitudes towards efficacy and safety of influenza vaccination, and reasons behind the decision to be vaccinated against influenza were explored. Fewer than half (46.2%) of HCWs agreed that influenza is a serious illness and perceived the risk of getting infected with influenza, and concerns about the safety of the vaccination were significant positive predictors. Fewer than half of the respondents were not concerned at all about the efficacy (48.6%) and safety (49.8%) of influenza vaccination, and 51.9% reported that they have not received a seasonal influenza vaccine during the previous season. The most mentioned reason for receiving the influenza vaccine in the current season was that influenza and COVID-19 share some similar symptoms. Study results will aid policymakers in developing vaccination education programs, promotion of trust to address negative misconceptions, and to achieve future high coverage among this high-risk group.

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Interventions to reduce sickness absence among healthcare workers: a systematic review

International Journal of Emergency Services ◽

10.1108/ijes-05-2018-0028 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 147-162

Author(s):

Laura Simmons ◽

Arwel W. Jones ◽

Niro Siriwardena ◽

Christopher Bridle

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Sickness Absence ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

Healthcare Sector ◽

Intervention Programme ◽

Content Type ◽

Multicomponent Intervention

Purpose Sickness absence is a major concern for healthcare services and their employees with healthcare workers having higher sickness absence rates compared to the general population. The purpose of this paper is to systematically review randomised control trials (RCTs) that aimed to reduce sickness absence among healthcare workers. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review was conducted that aimed to include RCTs with study participants who were employed in any part of the healthcare sector. This review included any type of intervention with the primary outcome measure being sickness absence. Findings Seven studies were included in the review and consisted of one exercise-only intervention, three multicomponent intervention programmes, two influenza vaccination interventions and one process consultation. Three studies (exercise-only, one multicomponent intervention programme and one influenza vaccination intervention) were able to demonstrate a reduction in sickness absence compared to control. Research limitations/implications Due to the lack of high-quality evidence, this review identified that there are currently no interventions that healthcare organisations are able to use to effectively reduce sickness absence among their employees. This review also highlights the importance of a standardised measure of sickness absence for healthcare staff, such as shifts. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic review to synthesise such evidence among healthcare workers.

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Web-based analysis of adherence to influenza vaccination among French healthcare workers

Journal of Clinical Virology ◽

10.1016/j.jcv.2019.04.008 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 116 ◽

pp. 29-33 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Maxime Pichon ◽

Alexandre Gaymard ◽

Hugo Zamolo ◽

Charlotte Bazire ◽

Martine Valette ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Web Based

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Clinical pearls for H1N1 influenza vaccination

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology ◽

10.1016/j.jaci.2010.01.028 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 125 (4) ◽

pp. 951-952 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Gregory V. Marcotte

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccination ◽

H1n1 Influenza

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A Systems Approach to Reaching 90% Influenza Vaccination of Healthcare Workers

American Journal of Infection Control ◽

10.1016/j.ajic.2017.04.132 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 45 (6) ◽

pp. S91

Author(s):

Robin Neale ◽

Mary Ellen Casey ◽

Paula Foster ◽

Kathleen OConnell ◽

Kimberly Stamatakos

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Systems Approach

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Should influenza vaccination be mandatory for healthcare workers?

Healthcare Management Forum ◽

10.1177/0840470418794209 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 31 (5) ◽

pp. 214-217 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nikolija Lukich ◽

Michael Kekewich ◽

Virginia Roth

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Healthcare Organizations ◽

Medical Field ◽

Public Health Perspective ◽

Vaccination Programs ◽

The Past ◽

Immunization Rates ◽

Mandatory Vaccination ◽

Personal Interests

Each year, many healthcare organizations deal with low influenza immunization rates among staff. Mandatory influenza vaccination programs may be considered in order to address this issue. These types of programs have caused controversy in the past, as staff has argued that they infringe upon their liberties and right to autonomy. However, if viewed from a public health perspective, mandatory vaccination programs are beneficial for both employees and patients and can be justified. When individuals make the decision to work in the medical field, it is assumed that their values align with those of the organization for which they work. This overrides their right to autonomy, since they are expected to put the safety of their patients ahead of their own personal interests. Although some may argue that receiving a flu shot is unsafe, evidence has demonstrated the opposite, and the minimal discomfort that may result from a vaccine is not enough to negate the responsibilities that healthcare workers have toward the patients they serve.

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