Attitudes of Healthcare Workers toward Influenza Vaccination in the COVID-19 Era

Abstract

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are reluctant to participate in the influenza vaccination program, despite their high risk to contract and diffuse influenza due to professional exposure. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic could raise HCW flu vaccination adherence. The aim of this study was to assess HCW attitudes toward influenza vaccination in the COVID-19 era. A multicenter observational study was carried out in three Italian hospitals (two in Pesaro and one in Fano, Marche region, Italy). Data about HCW influenza vaccination between 2013 and 2021 were extracted from the vaccination registers. An online questionnaire was sent to HCWs from July to October 2020 to assess their opinion about influenza vaccination in terms of knowledge, attitude, and practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of flu-vaccinated HCWs increased from 3.7% in the 2013–2014 flu season to 53.6% in the 2020–2021 flu season (p < 0.001). About 15% (n = 324) of HCWs responded to the online questionnaire, and 30.5% of them declared that they had changed their minds on flu vaccination after the COVID-19 pandemic, deciding to get vaccinated. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased HCWs’ attitudes toward flu vaccination. However, flu vaccination adherence remained low and should be improved.

The Role of Psychological Factors and Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs in Influenza Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake among Jordanian Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…One possible explanation for this increasing trend in influenza vaccine uptake is increased awareness regarding the importance of vaccination against infectious respiratory diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for the HCWs, in view of their frontline position in the fight against the disease [65,66]. A similar pattern was reported in a recent multicenter study conducted in Italy, where the proportion of influenza-vaccinated HCWs increased from 4% in 2013-2014 to 54% in the 2020-2021 influenza season [67]. An increasing trend in influenza vaccine coverage among HCWs was also reported in several studies from Italy and Greece [68][69][70][71].…”

The impact of COVID-19 on hospital-based workers influenza vaccination uptake: A two-year retrospective cohort study

“…The uptake of vaccination was also increased among administrative staff. As stated previously, the desire to protect themselves and others had reinforced the intention of getting influenza vaccination 18,32 . Knowing someone who had suffered from a complicated COVID‐19 infection, which sometimes exited in death, possibly influenced HBWs vaccination behavior.…”

“…Professional responsibility and physicians' role in vaccinations are strong predictors of immunization behavior. 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 Nurses and healthcare assistants were the professionals with the lowest vaccination uptake in both seasons even though they are on the front line in caring for patients. 34 This hesitancy may be due to poor knowledge about vaccines and vaccination.…”

“…As stated previously, the desire to protect themselves and others had reinforced the intention of getting influenza vaccination. 18 , 32 Knowing someone who had suffered from a complicated COVID‐19 infection, which sometimes exited in death, possibly influenced HBWs vaccination behavior. Furthermore, the need to return to normality was also a reason for greater adherence to vaccination.…”

“…Genovese and colleagues 31 pointed out that physicians have positive attitudes toward vaccines and are more likely to receive the shot. Professional responsibility and physicians' role in vaccinations are strong predictors of immunization behavior 32 – 35 . Nurses and healthcare assistants were the professionals with the lowest vaccination uptake in both seasons even though they are on the front line in caring for patients 34 .…”