Influenza vaccination of health care workers in hospitals-A review of studies on attitudes and predictors

Helge G. Hollmeyer, Frederick Hayden, Gregory Poland, Udo Buchholz

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

310 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Immunization guidelines from many countries recommend influenza vaccination of health care workers (HCW). However, influenza vaccination rates among HCW are universally low. To aid in designing effective immunization programs we reviewed the literature for studies reporting on (1) self-reported reasons of HCW regarding vaccination against influenza and (2) predictive factors for influenza vaccination in HCW. Methods: We searched PUBMED for relevant publications from 1980 to 2008 with predetermined search strategies and applied pre-defined criteria for inclusion or exclusion. To be included in the review as a predictor study, a multivariate analysis must have been conducted. Results: We included 25 studies relevant to self-reported reasons for rejecting or accepting vaccination. These studies identified two major reasons for lack of vaccine uptake by HCW: firstly, a wide range of misconceptions or lack of knowledge about influenza infection; and secondly, a lack of convenient access to vaccine. In contrast, among studies reporting on reasons for vaccination acceptance, all but two found that HCW stated self-protection was the most important reason. In the area of "predictive factors for influenza vaccination", we included 13 studies. At least five of them identified the following three factors: previous receipt of influenza vaccine, belief in the vaccine's effectiveness, and older age. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that if HCW get immunized against influenza, they do so primarily for their own benefit and not for the benefit to their patients. Misconceptions about influenza and influenza vaccine could be improved by education, and organizational barriers could be bridged with sustainable, structural changes to allow flexible and workplace vaccine delivery.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3935-3944
Number of pages10
JournalVaccine
Volume27
Issue number30
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 19 2009

Keywords

  • Health knowledge, attitudes, practice
  • Health personnel
  • Human influenza/prevention and control
  • Influenza vaccines/therapeutic use
  • Predictive factors
  • Vaccination rates

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • General Immunology and Microbiology
  • General Veterinary
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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