Background
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for health care personnel (HCP). We describe
influenza vaccination coverage among HCP during the 2010-2011 season and present reported
facilitators of and barriers to vaccination.
Methods
We enrolled HCP 18 to 65 years of age, working full time, with direct patient contact.
Participants completed an Internet-based survey at enrollment and the end of influenza
season. In addition to self-reported data, we collected information about the 2010-2011
influenza vaccine from electronic employee health and medical records.
Results
Vaccination coverage was 77% (1,307/1,701). Factors associated with higher vaccination
coverage include older age, being married or partnered, working as a physician or
dentist, prior history of influenza vaccination, more years in patient care, and higher
job satisfaction. Personal protection was reported as the most important reason for
vaccination followed closely by convenience, protection of patients, and protection
of family and friends. Concerns about perceived vaccine safety and effectiveness and
low perceived susceptibility to influenza were the most commonly reported barriers
to vaccination. About half of the unvaccinated HCP said they would have been vaccinated
if required by their employer.
Conclusion
Influenza vaccination in this cohort was relatively high but still fell short of the
recommended target of 90% coverage for HCP. Addressing concerns about vaccine safety
and effectiveness are possible areas for future education or intervention to improve
coverage among HCP.
Key Words
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Article info
Footnotes
Supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (contract 200-2010-F-33396 to Abt Associates, Inc).
The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Abt Associates Inc, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, or Scott and White Healthcare.
Conflicts of interest: None to report.
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
