scholarly journals Influenza vaccine among future health care workers: a cohort study on Italian medical students

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Corradi ◽  
F Bert ◽  
E Pompili ◽  
D Catozzi ◽  
A Hordila ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
Flu Vaccine

Abstract Background Flu vaccination rates among health workers remain low and very variable between European countries despite the recommendations. Medical schools could be the best phase to educate health workers toward flu vaccine. This study aims to evaluate flu vaccine “prejudice” and vaccine hesitancy in medical students (MSs). Methods In 2018/19 flu season a cohort study was conducted at the School of Medicine of Turin, parallel to the flu vaccination campaign. Students were surveyed for sociodemographic variables, knowledge, attitudes and practices toward vaccination, adverse reactions, overall satisfaction toward received vaccination. Data was collected from 377 students. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed. The significance level was p ≤ 0.05. Results Females were 70% and median age was 24 (IQR 22.5-25). The 73.2% of the sample was vaccinated in the campaign, although the 60% of this had never been vaccinated before. Poor knowledge on flu vaccine, both self- and objectively assessed, was associated with lower vaccination rate (OR 0.23, p = 0.006; OR 0.15, p < 0.001 respectively). Vaccination was more likely in those who had been vaccinated in the last 3 years (OR 9.14, p < 0.001). Among non-vaccinated students, most frequent reasons to not undergo vaccination was not feeling at risk of contagion (48%). Vaccine decreased flu prevalence (OR 0.33, p = 0.039). Among vaccinated students, the persuasion that vaccination should be mandatory for health workers (OR 5.91, p = 0.039) was associated with higher vaccine satisfaction score while self-diagnosis of flu was associated with a lower score (OR 0.009, p < 0.001). Conclusions Lack of flu vaccination among health workers increases flu prevalence and multiplies possible carriers in health facilities. European Medical Schools should start yearly vaccination campaigns to promote good habits in MSs. In parallel, more must be done to teach MSs the benefits of flu vaccination and thus increasing willingness to being vaccinated. Key messages Feeling poorly informed and being poorly informed about influenza vaccine significatively decrease likeliness of vaccination in medical students. Students do not feel at risk of contagion. Influenza vaccine uptake is a habitual behavior that should be promoted as early as possible among European health workers, possibly during Medical School.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Beliefs and Attitudes towards the Influenza Vaccine among Future Healthcare Workers in Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 2105
Author(s):  
Sylwia Kałucka ◽  
Agnieszka Głowacka ◽  
Elżbieta Dziankowska-Zaborszczyk ◽  
Izabela Grzegorczyk-Karolak
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Immunization Coverage ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Health Promotion Programs ◽  
Flu Vaccine ◽  
Better Than

The flu vaccine is the best treatment for avoiding the flu and its complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge of the flu vaccine and attitude towards the influenza vaccine among medical students in four majors of study (Nursing, Midwifery, Pharmacy, and Public health) in all years of study. A total number of 1137 subjects took part in the study. Most of the vaccinated students assessed the flu vaccine positively (78.5%, 73.7%, 60.7%, and 65.1%, according to their respective majors) and reported that they did not get the flu during the period of vaccination (90.4%, 92.1%, 87.4%, and 97.7%, respectively). Therefore, 65% of the students of Pharmacy, 78% of Midwifery, and 83% of Nursing who were vaccinated once in the last three years recommended the influenza vaccination, and 100% of all students received a regular vaccination every year. The univariate and multivariate logistic regressions showed that a maximum of four factors had a significant impact on the students’ knowledge of the influenza vaccine. Knowledge about the flu vaccine was the highest among Pharmacy students and lowest among Public health students. Final-year students answered the questions better than the younger ones (p < 0.05). Their place of residence and flu vaccination status also appeared to influence their answers. Although all students demonstrated good knowledge of the flu vaccine and demonstrated positive attitudes towards the vaccine, their rate of immunization was low. Therefore, health promotion programs are needed to improve immunization coverage among medical students who are future healthcare workers.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Among U.S. Army Civilians and Dependents in the Kaiserslautern Military Community: A Mixed-Methods Survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica M Burns ◽  
Fritz M Castillo ◽  
Rodney L Coldren ◽  
Trisha Prosser ◽  
Renee L Howell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Military Health ◽  
Influenza Outbreak ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
Flu Vaccine

ABSTRACT Introduction Influenza is a globally occurring viral respiratory infection that can lead to hospitalizations and death. An influenza outbreak can interfere with combat readiness in a military setting, as the infection can incapacitate soldiers. Vaccination remains the most effective tool to prevent and mitigate seasonal influenza. Although influenza vaccinations for U.S. Army soldiers can be monitored through military health systems, those systems cannot capture DoD civilians and Army dependents who may not use military health services. This study aims to gauge flu vaccine uptake and perceptions in U.S. Army civilians and dependents. Materials and Methods An online survey was e-mailed to civilian and dependent enrollees of Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. The survey contained 24 questions pertaining to demographics, vaccine history, history of the flu, and beliefs toward vaccines. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regressions were performed to investigate the association between demographic, behavior, and belief factors with vaccine uptake. Free-text answers were coded and categorized by themes. Results Over 70% of respondents were vaccinated for the flu. There were differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated respondents regarding their perceptions of barriers to vaccination, benefits of the flu vaccine, severity of flu symptoms, and personal risk of getting ill with the flu. After controlling for confounders, flu vaccination in the previous season and healthcare worker status were associated with increased vaccine uptake, while perceived barriers to influenza vaccination were associated with decreased vaccine uptake. Conclusions Flu vaccine uptake may be increased by increasing access to vaccination, promoting vaccination and addressing concerns at the provider level, and engaging positively framed public messaging. Increasing flu vaccine uptake is of particular importance as the flu season approaches during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.

scholarly journals The development of a digital intervention to increase influenza vaccination amongst pregnant women

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 205520762110121
Author(s):  
Joanne E Parsons ◽  
Katie V Newby ◽  
David P French ◽  
Elizabeth Bailey ◽  
Nadia Inglis
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Intervention Mapping ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Diverse Area ◽  
Seasonal Flu ◽  
Flu Vaccine ◽  
The Uk

Objective Pregnant women and unborn babies are at increased risk of complications from influenza, including pneumonia, yet in the UK, uptake of flu vaccination amongst this population remains <50%. Pregnant women hold beliefs about risks of flu and efficacy of vaccination that consistently predict them to decline vaccination. This study aimed to develop a theory and evidence-based intervention addressing these beliefs to promote flu vaccine uptake. Methods The intervention was developed by behavioural scientists, pregnant women, midwives, clinicians and Public Health professionals, informed by Intervention Mapping. Six predefined steps were performed in line with Intervention Mapping. Results The intervention is an animation addressing beliefs about risks of flu and efficacy of vaccination. Preliminary testing using qualitative methodology indicates the information within the animation is appropriate, and the animation is acceptable to pregnant women. Conclusions This is the first known intervention for pregnant women, aiming to increase flu vaccination through addressing risk and efficacy appraisals. It has been implemented within seasonal flu vaccination campaigns during 2018/19 and 2019/20 within one geographically and ethnically diverse area of the UK.

scholarly journals Pharmacists’ one-to-one counseling succeeds in promoting flu shots among target population

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Brunelli ◽  
A Morsanutto ◽  
M Tosolini ◽  
A Iob ◽  
F Schiava ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Counseling Intervention ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
One To One

Abstract Background Vaccine hesitancy among general population can be even greater regarding flu than other vaccine preventable diseases, as complacency towards influenza is quite high and confidence can be reduced by the confounding effect of influenza-like-illnesses. Health professionals face hesitant people alleging many different motivations against flu vaccination, some of them being susceptible to tailored one-to-one health promotion. Methods During 2019/20 flu vaccination campaign, 44 trained pharmacists of Carnia District in Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (Italy) surveyed at-risk people accessing 25 pharmacies regarding beliefs on flu vaccination and offered one-to-one advice. As stated in the Italian national vaccination plan, subjects with comorbidities or older than 65 were considered at risk. Adherence to influenza vaccination during past flu season and reasons for that choice, as well as intention to be administered flu shots after counseling were registered. Results A total of 2,748 at-risk subjects adhered to the project with a mean age of 70±12 years, 57% of them being females; 1,702 (38%) did not adhere to flu vaccination campaign last year. Most of them confirmed a low complacency level, reporting to have refused flu vaccination because of “not getting ill” (43%) believing that vaccines are dangerous (12%) or not effective (5%); some did not know they could access flu vaccination (8%). After counseling, 2196 (80%) decided to adhere to flu vaccination, in particular 83% (1284/1555) of over 65 and 84% (684/816) of at-risk subjects. Conclusions More than one third of over 65 or at-risk surveyed subjects did not receive influenza vaccination during 2018/19 flu season. One-to-one tailored counseling conducted by pharmacists resulted to be effective in tackling vaccine hesitancy among 2019/20 flu shot target population. Key messages Motivations underlying vaccine hesitancy toward flu vaccination continue to impair health outcomes of target population. A one-to-one counseling intervention conducted by pharmacists with specific targets should be useful to improve seasonal flu vaccine coverage.

scholarly journals Seasonal Influenza Vaccination and Recommendation: The Difference between General Practitioners and Public Health Workers in China

Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongguo Rong ◽  
Xiaozhen Lai ◽  
Xiaochen Ma ◽  
Zhiyuan Hou ◽  
Shunping Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Public Health Workers

Seasonal influenza vaccination for healthcare workers (HCWs) is critical to the protection of HCWs and their patients. This study examined whether the separation of public health workers and general practitioners could affect the influenza vaccine uptake and recommendation behaviors among HCWs in China. A survey was conducted from August to October 2019, and HCWs from 10 provinces in China were recruited. A self-administered and anonymous questionnaire was used to assess HCWs’ demographic information, knowledge, and attitudes toward influenza vaccination, as well as vaccine uptake and recommendation behaviors. The primary outcome was HCWs’ vaccination and recommendation status of seasonal influenza vaccine. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the influence factors of influenza vaccine uptake and recommendation among HCWs. Of the 1159 HCWs in this study, 25.3% were vaccinated against influenza in the previous season. “No need to get vaccinated” was the primary reason for both unvaccinated public health workers and general practitioners. Multivariate logistic regression showed that public health workers were more likely to get vaccinated against influenza (OR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.59–3.05) and recommend influenza vaccination to children (OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.57–2.80) and the elderly (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.26–2.25) than general practitioners. Besides, the knowledge and perceived risk of influenza can give rise to HCWs’ vaccination and recommendation behaviors, and HCWs who got vaccinated in the past year were more likely to recommend it to children and the elderly in their work. The influenza vaccine coverage and recommendation among HCWs are still relatively low in China, especially for general practitioners. Further efforts are needed to improve the knowledge and attitudes toward influenza and influenza vaccination among HCWs, and coherent training on immunization for both public health workers and general practitioners might be effective in the face of separated public health and clinical services in China.

scholarly journals Are we ready when COVID-19 vaccine is available? Study on nurses′ vaccine hesitancy in Hong Kong

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kin On Kwok ◽  
Kin Kit Li ◽  
Wan In Wei ◽  
Kwok Hung Tang ◽  
Samuel Yeung Shan Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Work Stress ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Collective Responsibility ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Public Confidence

Introduction: Nurses are considered a trustworthy source of vaccine-related information to build public confidence in vaccination. This study estimated nurses′ influenza vaccine uptake and intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine when available, and examined the corresponding psychological antecedents. Methods : A cross-sectional online survey among nurses was conducted during the main COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong between mid-March and late April 2020. Demographics, influenza vaccination, intention to have COVID-19 vaccine, the 5C vaccine hesitancy components (i.e., confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation, and collective responsibility), work stress and COVID-related work demands (i.e., insufficient supply of personal protective equipment, involvement in isolation rooms, and unfavorable attitudes towards workplace infection control policies) were reported. Results: The influenza vaccination coverage and the proportion intending to take COVID-19 vaccine were 49% and 63%, respectively, among 1205 eligible nurses. Influenza vaccine uptake was associated with working in public hospitals and all 5C constructs, whereas stronger COVID-19 vaccination intention was associated with younger age, more confidence, less complacency and more collective responsibility towards the vaccine. COVID-19-related demands were associated with greater work stress, and hence stronger COVID-19 vaccination intention. Conclusion: Vaccine uptake/intention was well predicted by the 5C constructs. With less work stress among nurses in the post-pandemic period, the intention to take COVID-19 vaccine will likely drop. The 5C constructs should be infused in vaccination campaigns. While a COVID-19 vaccine could be ready soon, communities are not ready to accept it. More research work is needed to boost the uptake.

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