Impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and the Perceived Avian Influenza Epidemic on the Increased Rate of Influenza Vaccination Among Nurses in Hong Kong

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.

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Influenza Vaccination Rates and Motivators Among Healthcare Worker Groups

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1086/511796 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 171-177 ◽

Cited By ~ 91

Author(s):

Amanda Banks Christini ◽

Kathleen A. Shutt ◽

Karin E. Byers

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Teaching Hospitals ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Influenza Like Illness ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

Nursing Aides

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.

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Do Turkish Gynecologists and Obstetricians recommend pregnant women the influenza vaccine?

Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology ◽

10.36519/idcm.2020.0005 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 16-23

Author(s):

Irem Akdemir Kalkan ◽

Ayşe Nur Usturalı Mut ◽

Gule Cinar ◽

Fatih Keskin ◽

Kemal Osman Memikoglu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Social Insurance ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

Immunization Rates

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

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Use of, Effectiveness of, and Attitudes Regarding Influenza Vaccine Among House Staff

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1086/502146 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 24 (11) ◽

pp. 839-844 ◽

Cited By ~ 103

Author(s):

Richard T. Lester ◽

Allison McGeer ◽

George Tomlinson ◽

Allan S. Detsky

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Vaccination Rate ◽

House Staff ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

University Of Toronto ◽

Patients At Risk ◽

The University ◽

Self Protection

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.

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Correlation Between Healthcare Workers' Knowledge of Influenza Vaccine and Vaccine Receipt

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1086/502147 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 24 (11) ◽

pp. 845-847 ◽

Cited By ~ 155

Author(s):

Richard A. Martinello ◽

Laura Jones ◽

Jeffrey E. Topal

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Nursing Staff ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccination Rate ◽

Basic Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

Significant Difference

AbstractObjective:Influenza vaccine receipt by healthcare workers (HCWs) is important because HCWs are at risk for occupational exposure to influenza and may act as vectors in the nosocomial transmission of influenza. HCWs were surveyed to determine whether belief in commonly held influenza vaccine misconceptions was associated with influenza vaccine acceptance.Design:Cross-sectional study.Setting:A large urban teaching hospital.Method:A self-administered survey was used to assess nursing and physician staff influenza vaccine knowledge, current vaccination status, and potential reasons for vaccine declination.Results:Two hundred twelve of 215 surveys were completed. The overall influenza vaccination rate was 73%. Physician staff were significantly more likely to have been vaccinated compared with nursing staff (82% vs 62%, respectively; P = .0009). HCWs answering the 5 influenza vaccine basic knowledge questions correctly were significantly more likely to have been vaccinated than those responding incorrectly to any question (84% vs 64%, respectively; P = .002). This association was present in the nursing group where 80% of those answering the knowledge questions correctly were vaccinated, but only 49% of those answering incorrectly were vaccinated (P = .000005). However, in the physician group, there was no significant difference in the influenza vaccination rates between those answering correctly and those answering incorrectly (P = .459).Conclusion:Belief in commonly held influenza vaccine misconceptions was significantly associated with influenza vaccine declination among nursing staff and may act as a barrier to greater rates of influenza vaccination. Reasons for influenza vaccine nonreceipt may differ between nursing and physician staff.

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Influenza Vaccination Among Registered Nurses: Information Receipt, Knowledge, and Decision-Making at an Institution With a Multifaceted Educational Program

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1086/526431 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 29 (2) ◽

pp. 99-106 ◽

Cited By ~ 72

Author(s):

Cori L. Ofstead ◽

Sharon J. Tucker ◽

Timothy J. Beebe ◽

Gregory A. Poland

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Registered Nurses ◽

Educational Program ◽

Medical Center ◽

Vaccine Safety ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

To Receive

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.

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Abstract P271: Influenza and Herpes Zoster Vaccination in United States Stroke Survivors: A Nationwide Analysis

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p271 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Mu Ji Hwang ◽

Setareh Salehi Omran ◽

Saad Mir ◽

Alexander E Merkler ◽

Hooman Kamel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Herpes Zoster ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Vaccination Rate ◽

Behavioral Risk ◽

Stroke Survivors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Prior Stroke

Introduction: Patients with stroke face an increased risk of contracting influenza and herpes zoster. We compared vaccination rates in stroke survivors versus the general United States population. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which is an annual, nationally representative, health survey. Respondents are asked about medical conditions and care. We used the most recent years with complete data for influenza (2018) and zoster (2017). We utilized survey procedures to estimate CDC-recommended vaccination rates for influenza (annual vaccination for all) and zoster (one-time vaccination for those at least 50 years old). Multiple logistic regression was used to compare the odds of vaccination in those with and without prior stroke, while adjusting for demographics (including income and health insurance) and comorbidities that may influence vaccination rates (obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, pulmonary disease, and smoking). Results: In 2018, 8,254,136 (3.4%; 95% CI, 3.3-3.5) Americans were stroke survivors. The influenza vaccination rate was 44.4% (95% CI, 42.8-46.2) in stroke survivors and 32.8% (95% CI, 32.5-33.1) otherwise. In unadjusted models, stroke survivors were more likely to have had an influenza vaccination in the past year than those without stroke (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.5-1.8). In 2017, 5,839,186 (5.7%; 95% CI, 5.5-5.9) Americans over 50 years old (i.e., eligible for zoster vaccination) were stroke survivors. The zoster vaccination rate was 30.3% (95% CI, 28.8-32.0) in stroke survivors and 27.6% (95% CI, 27.3-28.0) in those without prior stroke. Stroke survivors were more likely to have had zoster vaccination than those without stroke (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.06-1.23). However, after accounting for demographics and comorbidities, stroke survivors were not more likely to be vaccinated for influenza (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.93-1.10) or zoster (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.90-1.12). Conclusion: Stroke survivors were not vaccinated at higher rates than expected based on demographics and comorbidities, and absolute vaccination rates were low, especially for zoster. Efforts to increase vaccination after stroke may be needed.

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The influence of a community intervention on influenza vaccination knowledge and behavior among diabetic patients

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-019-8101-6 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lili Tao ◽

Ming Lu ◽

Xiaoning Wang ◽

Xiaoyan Han ◽

Shuming Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Community Intervention ◽

Vaccination Rate ◽

Control Group ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Impact ◽

Experimental Group

Abstract Background This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of a comprehensive community intervention on cognition and inoculation behaviors of diabetic patients immunized with influenza vaccine. Methods A total of 1538 diabetic patients aged 35 years and above for outpatient visits and follow-up treatments were selected from six community health service centers (three for the experimental group, and the other three for the control group) in Chaoyang District, Beijing. Comprehensive interventions applied to the experimental group include patient intervention and community climate interventions. We compared the total awareness of influenza vaccine knowledge and influenza vaccination rates between the two groups before and after the intervention. Results Before the intervention, the total awareness rate of influenza vaccine in the experimental group and the control group was similar (50.6 and 50.2%, respectively. P = 0.171). After the intervention, the awareness rate of influenza vaccine in the experimental group and the control group increased. The amplitude of the increase was similar (70.3 and 70.1%, respectively. P = 0.822,). Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the influenza vaccination rate between the experimental group and the control group (29.0 and 26.8%, respectively. P = 0.334). After the intervention, the vaccination rate of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group. The difference was statistically significant (The vaccination rate 45.8 and 27.4% for the experimental group and the control group, respectively. P < 0.001). Conclusion Comprehensive community interventions had a positive effect on vaccination in diabetic patients. Trial registration ChiCTR1900025194, registered in Aug,16th, 2019. Retrospectively registered.

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Promotion of the influenza vaccination to hospital staff during pre-employment health check: a prospective, randomised, controlled trial

Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology ◽

10.1186/s12995-020-00285-w ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Michael Currat ◽

Catherine Lazor-Blanchet ◽

Giorgio Zanetti

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Vaccination Campaign ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Vaccination Rate ◽

Health Check ◽

Control Group ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

Newly Hired

Abstract Background Vaccination is the most effective prevention of seasonal influenza. Despite its recommendation and active promotion, vaccination coverage remains low among healthcare staff. The goal of the study was to test if a pre-employment health check is a good opportunity to promote future vaccination against influenza among healthcare workers newly hired by a university hospital. Methods All new hospital employees active at the bedside who underwent a pre-employment health check between the end of 2016’s influenza epidemic and the start of the next influenza vaccination campaign were randomly allocated to a control group or an intervention group. The intervention consisted of a semi-structured dialog and the release of an information leaflet about influenza and influenza vaccination during the check-up, and the shipment of a postcard reminder 2 weeks before the next vaccination campaign. Vaccination rates during the campaign were compared among the two groups. Results Three hundred fifty-seven employees were included. Vaccination rates were similar in both groups: 79/172 (46%) in the control and 92/185 (50%) in the intervention group. A significantly higher rate of vaccination was noted among physicians (70/117, 60%) than among other employees (101/240, 42%, p = 0.001). In a pre-defined exploratory analysis among physicians, the vaccination rate was higher in the intervention group (36/51, 71%) than in the control group (34/65, 52%, p = 0.046). Conclusions Promotion of the influenza vaccine during pre-employment health check did not improve the vaccination rate of newly hired hospital healthcare workers overall during the next influenza vaccination campaign. Results suggest a favourable impact on the vaccination rate of physicians. Thus, there may be an interest in using communication strategies tailored to the different categories of healthcare workers to promote the influenza vaccine during pre-employment health check. Trial registration ClinicalTrials, NCT02758145. Registered 26 April 2016.

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Influenza Vaccination Hesitancy among Healthcare Workers in South Al Batinah Governorate in Oman: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines8040661 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 661

Author(s):

Salah T. Al Awaidy ◽

Zayid K. Al Mayahi ◽

Malak Kaddoura ◽

Ozayr Mahomed ◽

Nathalie Lahoud ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

General Medicine ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk

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.

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Healthcare Workers’ Willingness to Receive Influenza Vaccination in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey in Southern Italy

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9070766 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 766

Author(s):

Gabriella Di Giuseppe ◽

Concetta P. Pelullo ◽

Andrea Paolantonio ◽

Giorgia Della Polla ◽

Maria Pavia

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Southern Italy ◽

Hospitalized Patients ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Enabling Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

To Receive

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.

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