An evaluation of influenza vaccine uptake in UK medical students

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Gray ◽  
J Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Vaccination Status ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Uk

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 < 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.

scholarly journals Influenza Vaccination Coverage and Intention to Receive Hypothetical Ebola and COVID-19 Vaccines among Medical Students

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 709
Author(s):  
Ewa Talarek ◽  
Joanna Warzecha ◽  
Marcin Banasiuk ◽  
Aleksandra Banaszkiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Vaccination Status ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical University ◽  
Influenza Vaccinations ◽  
To Receive

The study aimed to determine influenza vaccine uptake among medical students and their intention to receive a hypothetical Ebola or COVID-19 vaccine. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed in 2015 and 2020 on 675 medical students at the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland. In 2020, the influenza vaccination coverage was 36.5%, and students were almost five times more likely to be vaccinated than in 2015 (OR = 4.8; 95% CI: 3.1–7.5). In 2020, the survey was conducted during the first university campaign targeted at free influenza vaccinations for all students, as well as during the first lockdown in Poland due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, clinical students (4th–6th study year) were significantly more often vaccinated than preclinical students (p < 0.001), in contrast to 2015. A majority—67.0% and 94.6%—of students expressed their intention to receive a hypothetical Ebola or COVID-19 vaccine, respectively. Among the medical students, influenza vaccination status was a predictor of the intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Influenza vaccine uptake among medical students has increased significantly, but it is still not optimal; thus, further educational efforts are needed to convince those who are hesitant regarding vaccines. A high number of students reported their intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and it is crucial to support their positive attitude about it.

scholarly journals Influenza vaccine uptake among adults living with young children

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nirma Khatri Vadlamudi ◽  
Fawziah Marra
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Canadian Community Health Survey ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Vaccination Uptake

Background: Many studies report vaccine uptake among young adults aged 18 to 49 years is low. In Canada, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends influenza vaccination for adults in contact with young children, however vaccination rates for this specific population are missing. An estimate is required to identify appropriate public health interventions. The objective of this study was to describe recent trends in influenza vaccination uptake among Canadian adults aged 18 to 49 years old living with or without young children.Methods: The Canadian Community Health Survey (2013-2014) dataset, available for public use was used after grouping individuals by influenza vaccination uptake within the past year in adults aged 18 to 49 years.  The relationship between living in a household with young children and influenza vaccination uptake was examined using a multivariable logistic regression model.Results: Among Canadian adults aged 18 to 49 years, the influenza vaccination uptake was 24.1% in adult household contacts with young children compared to 18.2% in those without young children (p<.0001). After adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and self-perceived health, we determined that vaccine uptake was associated with living in a household with young children (adjusted OR: 1.30 [95%CI: 1.17-1.44]). While socio-demographic characteristics and self-perceived health greatly influenced influenza vaccination uptake, we also found marital status was a strong influencer of influenza vaccine uptake (adjusted OR:  1.31 [95%CI: 1.16-1.48]). Conclusion: Overall, influenza vaccination uptake among caregiving adults is low. Increased vaccine uptake was associated with living in a household with one or more young children. Targeted education and vaccination programs are required to improve uptake of the influenza vaccine in this age group.

scholarly journals A Meta-Analysis of Influenza Vaccination Following Correspondence: Considerations for COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert P Murphy ◽  
Carol Taaffe ◽  
Elayne Ahern ◽  
Grace McMahon ◽  
Orla Muldoon
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
English Language ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Direct Correspondence

Background: High vaccination rates are needed to protect against influenza and to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Health authorities need to know if supplementing mass communications with direct correspondence to the community would increase uptake. Objectives: The primary objective is to determine if sending a single written message directly to individuals increases influenza vaccine uptake, and a secondary objective is to identify any identified content shown to increase influenza vaccine uptake. Methods: PubMed, PsycInfo and Web of Science were searched for English language RCTs testing a single correspondence for members of the community in OECD countries to obtain influenza vaccination. A meta-analysis with inverse-variance, random-effects modelling was used to estimate a mean, weighted risk ratio effect size measure of vaccine uptake. Studies were quality assessed and analysis was undertaken to account for potential publication bias. Results: Twenty-two randomized controlled trials were included covering 37 interventions. Of the 37 interventions, 32 (86%) report an increase in influenza vaccination rates. A formal meta-analysis shows that sending a single written message increases influenza vaccine uptake by 18% (RR = 1.18, 95%CI [1.13-1.22], Z = 8.56, p < .001) relative to the no contact comparator group. Analysis shows that the intervention is effective across correspondence type, age group, time, and location, and after allowing for risk of publication bias. Limitations: The review was restricted to English language publications, and the generalizability of results across the OECD may be questioned. Conclusions and implications: The implication for public health authorities organizing vaccination programs for influenza, and arguably also for COVID-19, is that sending written vaccination correspondence to members of the community is likely to increase uptake. Keywords: vaccine uptake, COVID-19, influenza, direct correspondence, meta-analysis.

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

Vaccines ◽  
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.

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
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.

scholarly journals Ethnic differences in the incidence of clinically diagnosed influenza: an England population-based cohort study 2008-2018

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer A. Davidson ◽  
Amitava Banerjee ◽  
Rohini Mathur ◽  
Mary Ramsay ◽  
Liam Smeeth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Influenza Like Illness ◽  
White Ethnicity ◽  
Vaccine Recommendations ◽  
Increased Risk

ABSTRACTWe used primary and linked secondary healthcare data to investigate the incidence of clinically diagnosed influenza/influenza-like-illness (ILI) by ethnicity in England from 2008-2018. We identified higher incidence rate ratios for influenza/ILI among South Asian (1.70, 95% CI 1.66-1.75), Black (1.48, 1.44-1.53) and Mixed (1.22, 1.15-1.30) groups compared to White ethnicity.People from ethnic minority backgrounds are represented disproportionately among patients with severe COVID-19. Recent research has found people of Black and South Asian ethnicity have increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19-related hospitalization and death, independent of deprivation, occupation, household size, and underlying health conditions(1,2).The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of seasonal influenza vaccination. By preventing influenza-related hospitalization, vaccination can minimize the risk of hospital-acquired COVID-19 (co-) infection for these individuals and reduce health service pressures, particularly the need for isolation of patients with respiratory symptoms awaiting COVID-19 test results.In the UK, influenza vaccine is routinely recommended for adults aged ≥65 years, or people <65 years with underlying health conditions. These recommendations formed the basis of the original guidance to identify patients at moderate- and high-risk of COVID-19. Influenza vaccine recommendations were expanded for the 2020/21 season to include all adults ≥50 years(3). However, vaccine uptake among clinical risk groups is low, particularly for Black and Mixed Black ethnic groups(4). In addition, people of non-White ethnicity have higher risk of severe outcomes following influenza infection(5,6). It is unclear whether this is driven by the risk of infection or complications, with most research focused on distal outcomes rather than initial infection risk.Here we investigate the incidence of influenza and influenza-like-illness (ILI) by ethnicity from 2008-2018 among people not eligible for routine influenza vaccination, to consider disparities in infection risk.

Access, Education and Policy Awareness: Predictors of Influenza Vaccine Acceptance Among VHA Healthcare Workers

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (8) ◽  
pp. 970-975 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Lipkowitz Eaton ◽  
David C. Mohr ◽  
Kathleen M. McPhaul ◽  
Richard A. Kaslow ◽  
Richard A. Martinello
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Veterans Health ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
Site Access

OBJECTIVETo identify predictors of influenza vaccine acceptance among VHA healthcare workers (HCWs), with emphasis on modifiable factors related to promotion campaigns.DESIGNSurvey.SETTINGNational single-payer healthcare system with 140 hospitals and 321,000 HCWs.PARTICIPANTSNational voluntary sample of HCWs in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) system.METHODSWe invited a random sample of 5% of all VHA HCWs to participate. An 18-item intranet-based survey inquired about occupation, vaccination status, employer policy, and local campaign efforts.RESULTSThe response rate was 17.4%. Of 2,502 initial respondents, 2,406 (96.2%) provided usable data. This sample includes respondents from all 140 VA hospitals. Self-reported influenza vaccination rates were highest among physicians (95.6%) and licensed independent providers (88.3%). Nonclinical staff (80.7%) reported vaccine uptake similar to other certified but nonlicensed providers (81.2%). The strongest predictor of vaccine acceptance among VHA HCWs was individual awareness of organizational policy. Vaccine acceptance was also higher among HCWs who reported more options for access to vaccination and among those in facilities with more education activities.CONCLUSIONSInfluenza vaccine acceptance varied significantly by employee awareness of employer policy and on-site access to vaccine. Employer-sponsored activities to increase access continue to show positive returns across occupations. Local influenza campaign efforts to educate HCWs may have reached saturation in this target group. These results suggest that focused communications to increase HCW awareness and understanding of employer policy can drive further increase in influenza vaccination acceptance.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:970–975

scholarly journals Pay-it-forward to improve influenza vaccine uptake and public engagement among children and older adults in China: A three-arm quasi-experimental study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Wu ◽  
Chenqi Jin ◽  
Khaoula Bessame ◽  
Fanny Tang ◽  
Jason Ong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Pragmatic Trial ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Vaccine Confidence

Abstract China has low seasonal influenza vaccination rates among children and older adults. This quasi-experimental pragmatic trial examined the effectiveness of a pay-it-forward intervention on influenza vaccination compared to standard of care (user-paid vaccination) and free vaccination strategies among children and older people in China (ChiCTR2000040048). In pay-it-forward, people receive a free influenza vaccine from a local group and are offered an opportunity to donate financially to support vaccination among future individuals. The primary outcome was pre-specified as influenza vaccine uptake. Secondary outcomes included vaccine confidence and associated costs. Among 450 participants enrolled, 55/150 (36.7%) in the standard of care arm, 111/150 (74.0%) in the pay-it-forward arm, and 114/150 (76.0%) in the free vaccination arm received an influenza vaccine. The pay-it-forward arm had significantly higher vaccine confidence when compared to the standard of care arm. In the pay-it-forward arm, 107/111 (96.4%) of participants donated money for subsequent vaccinations and 19 of 60 invited (31.7%) created postcard messages.

scholarly journals Determinants of Influenza Vaccine Uptake in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease and Strategies for Improvement

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priyanka Bhugra ◽  
Gowtham R. Grandhi ◽  
Reed Mszar ◽  
Priyanka Satish ◽  
Rahul Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Influenza Infection ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Influenza infection is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure exacerbation) and mortality, and all‐cause mortality in patients with CVD. Infection with influenza leads to a systemic inflammatory and thrombogenic response in the host body, which further causes destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques. Influenza vaccination has been shown to be protective against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in several observational and prospective studies of at‐risk populations. Hence, many international guidelines recommend influenza vaccination for adults of all ages, especially for individuals with high‐risk conditions such as CVD. Despite these long‐standing recommendations, influenza vaccine uptake among US adults with CVD remains suboptimal. Specifically, vaccination uptake is strikingly low among patients aged <65 years, non‐Hispanic Black individuals, those without health insurance, and those with diminished access to healthcare services. Behavioral factors such as perceived vaccine efficacy, vaccine safety, and attitudes towards vaccination play an important role in vaccine acceptance at the individual and community levels. With the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic, there is a potential threat of a concurrent epidemic with influenza. This would be devastating for vulnerable populations such as adults with CVD, further stressing the need for ensuring adequate influenza vaccination coverage. In this review, we describe a variety of strategies to improve the uptake of influenza vaccination in patients with CVD through improved understanding of key sociodemographic determinants and behaviors that are associated with vaccination, or the lack thereof. We further discuss the potential use of relevant strategies for COVID‐19 vaccine uptake among those with CVD.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Medical Students’ Uptake of the 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Vaccine

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siang I. Lee ◽  
Ei M. Aung ◽  
Ik S. Chin ◽  
Jeremy W. Hing ◽  
Sanghamitra Mummadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Pandemic Influenza ◽  
Uptake Rate ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
H1n1 Vaccine ◽  
Influenza A H1n1

Background. Pandemic influenza vaccination rate amongst healthcare workers in England 2009/2010 was suboptimal (40.3%). Targeting medical students before they enter the healthcare workforce is an attractive future option. This study assessed the H1N1 vaccine uptake rate amongst medical students and factors that influenced this. Methods. Anonymised, self-administered questionnaire at a medical school. Results. The uptake rate amongst 126 medical students offered the vaccine was 49.2% and intended uptake amongst 77 students was 63.6%. Amongst those offered the vaccine, the strongest barriers to acceptance were fear of side effects (67.9%), lack of vaccine information (50.9%), lack of perceived risk (45.3%), and inconvenience (35.8%). Having a chronic illness (OR 3.4 (95% CI 1.2–10.2)), 4th/5th year of study (OR 3.0 (95% CI 1.3–7.1)), and correct H1N1 knowledge (OR 2.6 (95% CI 1.1–6.0)) were positively associated with uptake. Non-white ethnicity was an independent negative predictor of uptake (OR 0.4 (95% CI 0.2–0.8)). Students who accepted the H1N1 vaccine were three times more likely (OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.2–7.7)) to accept future seasonal influenza vaccination. Conclusion. Efforts to increase uptake should focus on routine introduction of influenza vaccine and creating a culture of uptake during medical school years, evidence-based education on vaccination, and improving vaccine delivery.

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