Influenza Vaccination Rates and Motivators Among Healthcare Worker Groups

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Banks Christini ◽  
Kathleen A. Shutt ◽  
Karin E. Byers

Background.The rate of influenza vaccination among healthcare workers (HCWs) is approximately 40%. Differences in vaccination rates among HCW groups and reasons for accepting or rejecting vaccination are poorly understood.Objectives.To determine vaccination rates and motivators among different HCW groups during the 2004-2005 influenza season.Design.Cross-sectional survey conducted between July 10 and September 30, 2005.Setting.Two tertiary care teaching hospitals in an urban center.Participants.Physicians, nurses, nursing aides, and other staff. Surveys were collected from 1,042 HCWs (response rate, 42%).Results.Sixty-nine percent of physicians (n = 282) and 63% of medical students (n = 145) were vaccinated, compared with 46% of nurses (n = 336), 42% of nursing aides (n = 135), and 29% of administrative personnel (n = 144). Physicians and medical students were significantly more likely to be vaccinated than all other groups (P < .0001). Pediatricians (84%) were more likely than internists (69%) and surgeons (43%) to be vaccinated (P < .0001). Among the HCWs who were vaccinated, 33.4% received the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) and 66.6% received trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV). Vaccinated HCWs were less likely than unvaccinated HCWs to report an influenza-like illness (P = .03). Vaccination with LAIV resulted in fewer episodes of influenza-like illness than did receiving no vaccine (P = .03). The most common reason for rejecting vaccination was a concern about availability. Understanding that HCWs may transmit the virus to patients correlated with vaccine acceptance (P = .0004).Conclusions.Significant differences in vaccination exist among physician specialties and employee groups, and there are inadequate vaccination rates among those with the greatest amount of patient contact, potentially providing a basis for group-specific interventions.

2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 256-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennise K. P. Tam ◽  
Shui-Shan Lee ◽  
Sing Lee

Objective.To determine the rate of influenza vaccination and the factors associated with the vaccination's acceptance among nurses in Hong Kong.Design.Cross-sectional survey.Participants.Nurses practicing between 2003 and 2007.Methods.A questionnaire was sent to all nurses registered with any of the 3 nursing associations that participated in this study.Results.A total of 941 completed questionnaires were available for analysis, though not all nurses responded to every question (response rate, 33.5%-36.3%). Vaccination rates in 2006 and 2007 were 57.2% and 46.2%, respectively. Nurses who were vaccinated in 2006 were more likely to get vaccinated in 2007 (P<.01); 56% of the nurses perceived influenza vaccine as being effective against influenza. The perceived effectiveness of influenza vaccine was a consistent predictor of rates of vaccination in 2006 (odds ratio [OR], 8.47 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 6.13-11.70];P<.01) and 2007 (OR, 6.05 [95% CI, 3.79-9.67];P<.01). Concern about contracting avian influenza was a predictor of the vaccination rate in 2006 but not in 2007 (OR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.03-2.09];P<.05), as was the perceived lack of control over avian influenza infection (OR, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.06-2.18];P<.05).Conclusions.The overall influenza vaccination rate for nurses in Hong Kong was about 50%. It was affected by the perceived threat of an impending outbreak. The attitudes of nurses toward the effectiveness of and rationale for vaccination were a major barrier to increasing the rate of vaccination.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-23
Author(s):  
Irem Akdemir Kalkan ◽  
Ayşe Nur Usturalı Mut ◽  
Gule Cinar ◽  
Fatih Keskin ◽  
Kemal Osman Memikoglu ◽  
...  

Objective: Influenza is a systemic infectious disease. It is recommended that all pregnant women receive the influenza vaccine because the mortality of the disease is high during pregnancy. However, the rates of influenza vaccination in pregnant women are low. This study aims to estimate the rate at which Turkish gynecologists and obstetricians (GOs) recommend the influenza vaccine to their pregnant patients.. Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional survey. The sample size was calculated to be 364 based on 95% confidence interval and 5% margin of error. The data were collected through a questionnaire consisting of 17 questions, which was distributed through social media. The final study group included in the research consisted of 384 GOs. Results:The mean age of the GOs that participated in the study was 39.7 years (SD = 10.2). 43.5% of the GOs reported that they recommended the influenza vaccine to pregnant women who had consulted with them, while 62.8% reported that at least 50% of the pregnant women they had recommended the vaccine rejected it. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, three factors increased the rate of GOs’ not to recommend influenza vaccination: the GOs’ age, not receiving influenza vaccination themselves, and not knowing the social insurance reimbursement for the vaccine. Conclusion: Vaccination of pregnant women is necessary because of the increased mortality risk of influenza during pregnancy. Even though GOs are not in charge of vaccinating their patients during their routine pregnancy follow-up, they can contribute to vaccination rates by recommending the vaccine. Physicians’ application of scientific knowledge and transferring it to their patients can contribute to increased adult immunization rates. Conclusion: Influenza, Influenza Vaccine, Pregnancy, Vaccination, Viral Infections


2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cori L. Ofstead ◽  
Sharon J. Tucker ◽  
Timothy J. Beebe ◽  
Gregory A. Poland

Objective.To evaluate the receipt of information and knowledge about influenza and vaccination, as well as influenza vaccination status and reasons for declining vaccination, among registered nurses.Design.Cross-sectional survey of registered nurses (RNs).Setting.A large tertiary medical center with a long-standing, multifaceted influenza vaccination program and relatively high vaccination rates among employees overall (76.5%).Participants.Randomly selected group of 990 RNs employed as inpatient staff nurses at the institution.Results.The survey was completed by 513 (51.8%) of 990 RNs. Most RNs (86.7%) had received an influenza vaccination in the past, and 331 (64.5%) intended to receive vaccination during the 2005-2006 influenza season. More than 90% of RNs acknowledged exposure to educational bulletins, and most had received information about influenza severity (383 [74.7%]), transmission (398 [77.6%]), vaccine safety (416 [81.1%]), and the time and location of free vaccination (460 [89.7%]). A majority (436 [85.0%]) felt they had received all the information they needed to make good decisions about vaccination. However, only 49 RNs (9.6%) gave correct answers to more than 85% of the knowledge questions on the survey. The reasons most frequently reported for declining vaccination were doubts about the risk of influenza and the need for vaccination, concerns about vaccine effectiveness and side effects, and dislike of injections.Conclusions.RNs exposed to a longstanding, multifaceted educational program had received information about influenza vaccination, but misconceptions were common and only 331 (64.5%) intended to receive vaccination. Strategies other than educational interventions are needed to increase influenza vaccination rates and thereby to ensure healthcare worker and patient safety.


Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 661
Author(s):  
Salah T. Al Awaidy ◽  
Zayid K. Al Mayahi ◽  
Malak Kaddoura ◽  
Ozayr Mahomed ◽  
Nathalie Lahoud ◽  
...  

Background: Seasonal influenza infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are an important target group for vaccination against influenza due to their increased risk of infection and their potential to transmit the infection to their patients, families and communities. The aim of this study was to assess the potential hesitancy and its associated factors towards influenza vaccination amongst HCWs in the South Al Batinah governorate in Oman. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 390 HCWs with direct or indirect patient contact was conducted in May and June 2019 using a self-administered questionnaire. Associations between HCW characteristics and vaccination status were examined using bivariate and multivariate analyses to identify the likelihood of vaccination against seasonal influenza among HCWs. Results: Overall, 60% of HCWs were vaccinated in the 2018/2019 season; vaccine uptake among nurses was 52% and uptake was higher among women. Self-protection and protection of the community were the most cited reasons for vaccine acceptance, with side effects being the main reason for hesitancy. Vaccinated respondents had a higher mean knowledge score (7.18; standard deviation SD: 2.14) than unvaccinated respondents (6.30; SD: 2.2). Odds of vaccination were highest among respondents who believed influenza vaccine should be mandatory for HCWs (Odds ratio (OR): 2.04 [1.30–3.18]), those working in the general medicine, emergency medicine, or intensive care units (OR: 1.92 [1.20–3.10]), nurses and doctors (OR: 1.75 [1.09–2.79]) and those who believe that HCWs should receive an influenza vaccine (OR: 1.35 [1.07–2.77]). Conclusions: The study provides valuable insights into the enablers and barriers of influenza vaccination practices among HCWs and may inform interventions to increase acceptance of vaccination.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 1894-1897
Author(s):  
Imran Khan ◽  
Muhammad Zaman Afridi ◽  
Zahra Wasim ◽  
Nadia Khan Jawad ◽  
Zubaida Khanum Wazir ◽  
...  

Objective: To find the frequency of depression, anxiety and stress among Gynae residents during covid pandemic. Methodology: This Cross-sectional survey was carried out in different Teaching Hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the period of six months i.e from August 2020 to January 2021. After the ethical approval from the research community, data was collected from Post Graduate Gynae Residents of Teaching Hospitals. Sample size for the study was 405 participants. Depression, anxiety and gross scale shorten version DASS-21 containing 21 items was standard research to use in study i.e. depression, anxiety and stress was identified on the basis of their cutoff scores i.e. normal scores were ≥10, ≥8 and ≥15 for depression, anxiety and stress respectively. Result: In depression, 136 (34%) participants were normal followed by moderate level having frequency 121 (30.25%). In the anxiety category, 116 (29%) participants were normal followed by moderate level having frequency 101 (25.5). In the category of stress, 179 (44.75%) participants were normal followed by mild levels having frequency 106 (26.50%). Only COVID positive status was statistically significant with depression, anxiety and stress as their P-valve was 0.02 less than 0.05. Conclusion: Considerable number of post graduate Gynae trainees working in different tertiary care hospitals have varying degrees of depression, anxiety and stress due to COVID-19 pandemic. Keywords: COVID-19, Pandemic, Post graduate, Psychological impact, Trainee doctors, Gynae residents, Mental health, Obstetrics, Gynaecology.


2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tahira Hameed ◽  
Eitezaz Ahmed Bashir ◽  
Abdul Qadeer Khan ◽  
Murtaza Ahmad

Background & Objectives: The study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of body and blood fluid exposure incidents such as needle stick injuries, direct contact, splashes, and cuts among health care personnel (HCP) in operation theaters (OTs). The study objective was to investigate perception of safety culture and potential challenges faced by HCP in Pakistani context. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted in four tertiary care hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad that were Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital (ANTH), Fauji Foundation Hospital (FFH), Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) and Holy Family Hospital (HFH) during March, 2019 to June, 2019. The data of the current study was collected from surgical staff in OTs at four tertiary care teaching hospitals including nurses, house officers, post graduate trainees, registrars, consultants, and technicians in the twin cities i.e., Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Results: In our findings (N=367) there was a high prevalence of exposure incidents in past six months, 45% had had got a needle injury, 36% have got a splash, 28.8% had direct contact and 35.6% had a cut once respectively in past six months, the occurrence of exposure incidents twice, thrice and more is also enormous. Conclusion: The study reflected a dire need of trainings at hospitals so that very strategically the importance of safety being a priority and value of HCP is inculcated on daily basis. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.2946 How to cite this:Hameed T, Bashir EA, Khan AQ, Ahmad M. Safety culture implications on safe work practices and work place exposure incidents in Operation Theater. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(2):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.2946 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249785
Author(s):  
Michael Eder ◽  
Haris Omic ◽  
Jana Gorges ◽  
Florian Badt ◽  
Zeljko Kikic ◽  
...  

Introduction Seasonal influenza is a major global health problem causing substantial morbidity and health care costs. Yet, in many countries, the rates of influenza vaccination remain low. Chronic kidney or liver diseases (CKLD) predispose patients to severe influenza infections, but data on vaccination acceptance and status is limited in this risk population. We investigated the influenza vaccination awareness considering sociodemographic factors in CKLD patients. Patients and methods This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study recruited CKLD patients managed at three Viennese tertiary care centers between July and October 2020. CKLD was defined as chronic kidney- (all stages) or compensated/decompensated liver disease, including kidney/liver transplant recipients. Questionnaires assessed sociodemographic and transplant- associated parameters, patients vaccination status and the individuals self-perceived risks of infection and associated complications. Results In total 516 patients (38.1% female, mean age 56.4 years) were included. 43.9% of patients declared their willingness to be vaccinated in the winter season 2020/2021, compared to 25.4% in 2019/2020 and 27.3% in 2016–2018. Vaccination uptake was associated with the self-perceived risks of infection (OR: 2.8 (95%CI: 1.8–4.5), p<0.001) and associated complications (OR: 3.8 (95%CI: 2.3–6.3), p<0.001) as well as with previously received influenza vaccination (2019/2020: OR 17.1 (95%CI: 9.5–30.7), p<0.001; season 2016–2018: OR 8.9 (95%CI: 5.5–14.5), p<0.001). Most frequent reasons for not planning vaccination were fear of a) graft injury (33.3%), b) complications after vaccination (32.4%) and c) vaccine inefficiency (15.0%). Conclusion While influenza vaccination willingness in patients with CKLD is increasing in the 2020/2021 season, vaccination rates may still remain <50%. Novel co-operations with primary health care, active vaccination surveillance and financial reimbursement may substantially improve vaccination rates in high-risk CKLD patients.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 766
Author(s):  
Gabriella Di Giuseppe ◽  
Concetta P. Pelullo ◽  
Andrea Paolantonio ◽  
Giorgia Della Polla ◽  
Maria Pavia

This cross-sectional survey was designed to evaluate hospital healthcare workers’ (HCWs) willingness to receive the influenza vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the related determinants, since it is plausible that the two epidemics will coexist in future winters. Overall, 68% out of 490 participants expressed their willingness to receive influenza vaccination in the 2020/21 season, with 95% of those ever and 45.8% of those never vaccinated in the previous six influenza seasons. Belief that influenza vaccine is useful in distinguishing influenza symptoms from those of COVID-19 and that the influenza vaccine is useful to prevent influenza in hospital settings, willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination, having no concern about influenza vaccine side effects, concern about the possibility to transmit influenza to hospitalized patients, and influenza vaccination in previous years were all predictors of willingness to receive influenza vaccination. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, a relevant increase in the willingness to undergo influenza vaccination was reported. Therefore, interventions focused primarily on enabling factors are needed to promote the adherence to influenza vaccination in future seasons among HCWs.


2003 ◽  
Vol 24 (11) ◽  
pp. 839-844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard T. Lester ◽  
Allison McGeer ◽  
George Tomlinson ◽  
Allan S. Detsky

AbstractObjective:To determine influenza vaccination rates, vaccine effectiveness, and factors influencing vaccination decisions among house staff.Design:Cross-sectional survey.Setting and Participants:All residents registered at the University of Toronto were surveyed after the 1999-2000 influenza season. Of the 1,159 questionnaires mailed, 670 (58%) could be evaluated.Results:Influenza-like illnesses were reported by 36% of house staff. The vaccination rate was 51% among respondents, being highest for community and occupational medicine and pediatric staff (77% and 75%) and lowest for psychiatry, surgery, and radiology staff (32%, 36%, and 36%). Vaccinees reported significantly fewer episodes of illness (42 vs 54 per 100 subjects; P = .03) and fewer days of illness (272 vs 374 per 100 subjects; P = .02); absenteeism was not different (63 vs 69 per 100 subjects; P = .69). Self-protection was the most common reason for vaccination. Vaccinees believed the vaccine was more effective than did non-vaccinees (P < .01). Non-vaccinees considered influenza-like symptoms the most important side effect of the vaccine. Busy schedules and inconvenience were the most common reasons for not getting vaccinated. Overall, 44% of house staff believed the influenza vaccine should be mandatory.Conclusions:Influenza-like illness was common among house staff. They tended to work through their illnesses, potentially putting patients at risk. They were motivated mostly by self-protection and did report a benefit. Despite busy schedules and an unfounded fear of getting influenza symptoms from the vaccine, many thought the vaccine should be mandatory.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Gray ◽  
J Cooper

Abstract Background The annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all front-line healthcare workers in the UK and is a crucial way of reducing mortality for vulnerable patient groups. However, to date the UK government has never explicitly monitored influenza vaccine uptake in medical students. This is important to ascertain, as students regularly move between clinical areas and are both a perfect vector for the spread of influenza and at an increased risk of contracting influenza themselves. Aims This service evaluation was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an influenza vaccination programme in one UK medical school and make recommendations to increase vaccination rates in the future. Methods This service evaluation collected data about medical student uptake of influenza vaccination in one UK medical school. Two hundred and fifty-one students at different course stages completed questionnaires, answering questions on vaccination status and Likert-scale ‘belief’ questions to assess the subjective reasons behind vaccine refusal. Results There was a substantial difference between year group cohorts (~20%), with significantly higher vaccination rates in the preclinical year group. Two significant negative predictors of vaccination were found (P &lt; 0.001), related to scepticism over the effectiveness of the vaccine and lack of convenient access to the vaccination. Results indicated that integrating information about the influenza vaccine into the curriculum would reduce lack of knowledge over the efficacy of the vaccine. The centralization of vaccination programmes at mandatory university-based learning events would mitigate against the problem of diversity of vaccination locations and lack of central accountability. Conclusions The results of this service evaluation provide significant predictors of vaccination status for medical students and potential occupational health interventions to improve vaccine uptake in this group.


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