Influenza vaccine uptake and attitudes of healthcare workers in Ireland

Abstract Background Influenza vaccination uptake by Irish healthcare workers remains sub-optimal despite local initiatives to increase it. Aims To investigate hospital workers' attitudes to influenza vaccination and how this influenced their decisions about vaccination. Methods A questionnaire survey of Irish hospital workers, measuring uptake of and attitudes to influenza vaccination. Results There were 747 responders, of whom 361 (48%) reported having received influenza vaccination. Attitudes predicting vaccination uptake included a belief that vaccination would protect family members (P < 0.0005, CI 1.191–1.739), a perception of susceptibility to ’flu (P < 0.0005, CI 1.182–1.685), a belief that all healthcare workers should be vaccinated (P < 0.005, CI 1.153–1.783), perceived ease of getting ’flu vaccination at work (P < 0.0005, CI 1.851–2.842) and encouragement by line managers (P < 0.05, CI 1.018–1.400). Attitudes negatively associated with vaccination uptake included fear of needles (P < 0.05, CI 0.663–0.985) and a belief that vaccination would cause illness (P < 0.0005, CI 0.436–0.647). Medical staff were significantly more likely to be vaccinated. Healthcare students were least likely to be vaccinated (P < 0.0005). Conclusion Addressing specific barriers to influenza vaccination in healthcare workers may improve uptake.

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Influenza vaccine uptake among adults living with young children

Journal of Epidemiological Research ◽

10.5430/jer.v4n1p41 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 41 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

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.

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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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Influenza and vaccination: beliefs and practices of local authority staff

Occupational Medicine ◽

10.1093/occmed/kqz102 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 69 (6) ◽

pp. 445-452 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

D Mc Conalogue ◽

N Verle ◽

H Ellis ◽

S Scott

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Local Authority ◽

Health Condition ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Previous Experience ◽

Care Staff ◽

Close Family Member ◽

Flu Vaccination ◽

Care Giving ◽

Negative Side Effects

Abstract Background Influenza causes large outbreaks every year. Professionals outside healthcare, including social care staff and non-care giving roles, have a key role in protecting their clients and sustaining operational productivity through influenza vaccination. There has been little research on non-healthcare staff working with vulnerable people and those working in non-caregiving settings regarding influenza and influenza vaccination. Aims To understand the practices, experiences, perceptions and motivations of local authority staff regarding influenza and influenza vaccination. Methods Semi-structured focus groups were carried out with local authority staff in Gloucestershire. Transcripts were thematically analysed. Results Participants tended to perceive influenza as a serious illness, where a person had a specific risk factor or during pandemics. They did not feel vulnerable unless they had previous experience of infection or had an underlying health condition. Motivation to vaccinate was based on previous experience of influenza, where they had a close family member at risk or when working directly with vulnerable clients. Beliefs about negative side effects of the vaccine were the strongest reason for vaccine refusal. Ease of access to vaccination through on-site clinics is key to uptake. Management are perceived as key motivators or blockers to vaccine uptake. Conclusions Workers outside healthcare settings do not feel vulnerable to influenza and have low motivation to vaccinate, unless they have previous experience of infection or an underlying health condition. Vaccination programmes must proactively address workers’ beliefs and motivations to ensure their participation in flu vaccination programmes.

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Determinants of influenza vaccination uptake among Italian healthcare workers

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics ◽

10.4161/hv.22997 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 911-916 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Pamela Barbadoro ◽

Anna Marigliano ◽

Elena Di Tondo ◽

Carlos Chiatti ◽

Francesco Di Stanislao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Vaccination Uptake

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Attitudes, believes, determinants and organisational barriers behind the low seasonal influenza vaccination uptake in healthcare workers – A cross-sectional survey

Vaccine ◽

10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.04.044 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 36 (23) ◽

pp. 3351-3358 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Lise Boey ◽

Charlotte Bral ◽

Mathieu Roelants ◽

Antoon De Schryver ◽

Lode Godderis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination ◽

Vaccination Uptake

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Improving influenza vaccination uptake among healthcare workers by on-site influenza vaccination campaign in a tertiary children hospital

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics ◽

10.1080/21645515.2019.1575164 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (5) ◽

pp. 1060-1065 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Melahat Melek Oguz

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Vaccination Campaign ◽

Vaccination Uptake

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Adherence, Perception of, and Attitude toward Influenza and Flu Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Study among a Population of Future Healthcare Workers

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182413086 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (24) ◽

pp. 13086

Author(s):

Emanuele Chittano Congedo ◽

Maria Emilia Paladino ◽

Michele Augusto Riva ◽

Michael Belingheri

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Flu Vaccination ◽

Seasonal Flu ◽

Vaccination Campaigns ◽

Self Protection

Healthcare students (HCSs) represent a target category for seasonal flu vaccination. This study aimed to examine adherence to flu vaccination campaigns from 2016 to 2019 among HCSs and to investigate knowledge and perception of and attitude toward influenza and flu vaccination. This cross-sectional study was conducted among the HCSs of a northern Italian university. Data on adherence, knowledge, perception, and attitude were investigated through an anonymous online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was filled out by 352 out of 392 third-year HCSs (response rate = 90%). The main reason for refusal was the perception of influenza as non-threatening (24.4%), while self-protection was the main reason for adherence (87.5%). A univariate logistic regression analysis revealed some statistically significant associations with the adherence to the 2018–2019 campaign: being a nursing/midwifery student (OR: 4.14; 95% CI: 1.77–9.71) and agreeing with (OR: 19.28; 95% CI: 2.47–146.85) or being undecided (OR: 10.81; 95% CI: 1.33–88.27) about the obligation of vaccination in health facilities. The associations were also evaluated with a multiple logistic regression model. Despite the low vaccine uptake, good knowledge of the risks for HCSs and patients related to flu has emerged. Improving promotion strategies will be necessary to increase the adhesion of future healthcare workers.

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Prevalence of and factors associated with receipt of provider recommendation for influenza vaccination and uptake of influenza vaccination during pregnancy: cross-sectional study

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-04182-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Alexandra Brixner ◽

Susanne Brandstetter ◽

Merle M. Böhmer ◽

Birgit Seelbach-Göbel ◽

Michael Melter ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Health Study ◽

Health Services Use ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccination Uptake ◽

Risk Pregnancy ◽

Vaccination Recommendation

Abstract Background Seasonal influenza vaccination has been recommended for pregnant women in Germany since 2010. The aim of this study was to examine prevalence and determinants of receipt of provider recommendation for influenza vaccination as well as influenza vaccination uptake during pregnancy. Methods We analysed data from the “KUNO Kids Health Study”, a prospective birth cohort. During the study period (5th July 2015 to 27th June 2018) data were collected from participating mothers by interview and questionnaire. According to Andersen’s behavioural model of health services use potential influencing factors describing the circumstances and characteristics of the mothers and their pregnancies which are potentially affecting whether women receive a recommendation for a vaccination or whether they utilize influenza vaccination were classified into three domains: ‘predisposing characteristics’, ‘enabling resources’ and ‘need’. Using multivariable logistic regression models odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Results As a combined result across three flu seasons, 368 of 1814 (20.3%) women received an influenza vaccination recommendation during pregnancy. Having had a high-risk pregnancy increased the odds of receiving a vaccination recommendation (OR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.0–1.6; p = 0.045). In contrast, pregnancy onset in summer (OR = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.5–1.0; p = 0.027), autumn (OR = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.3–0.5; p < =0.001) or winter (OR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.3–0.6; p < =0.001) (compared to spring) as well as mother’s birthplace outside Germany (OR = 0.6; 95% CI = 0.4–0.9; p = 0.023) reduced the chance of getting a vaccination recommendation. Two hundred forty-two of one thousand eight hundred sixty-five (13%) women were vaccinated against influenza during pregnancy. Having received a vaccination recommendation was strongly associated with vaccination uptake (OR = 37.8; 95% CI = 25.5–55.9; p < =0.001). Higher health literacy status was also associated with a higher chance of vaccination uptake (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.2–2.6; p = 0.008), whereas pregnancy onset in autumn (compared to spring) reduced the chance (OR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.3–0.8; p = 0.008). Conclusions At 13% the uptake rate of influenza vaccination is low. Having received a recommendation to vaccinate was strongly associated with uptake but only one fifth of all mothers report such a recommendation. Raising awareness in physicians regarding vaccinating during pregnancy seems to be of essential importance to increase vaccine uptake and to prevent influenza-related complications in pregnant women.

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