Factors Influencing the Implementation of Flu Vaccination in Healthcare Professionals: Pros and Cons

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccination is the best method for microbial and viral infections prevention. Especially for health professionals, flu vaccination is the best method to protect them, and the same applies for the patients and the general population from being infected. One of the most important preventive measure is vaccination and the main types of vaccines available, the limitations and side effects are briefly presented. Aim: The aim of this paper is to present the necessity of the healthcare professionals to conceptualize the importance of flu vaccination ifor themselves and the general population. Healthcare professionals are influenced by their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. Epidemiological surveys on this issue are presented for Greece, European Union, and the USA. Methods: A broad scope literature review was conducted based on a strict selection process of articles referring to the general population and the healthcare professionals with emphasis on the time period from the fall of 2018 until the spring of 2020 across Greece. The method used in this research obtained information through bibliographical references throughout Europe, USA, and relevant studies in Greece. Results: The results of this research indicated that influenza vaccination among healthcare professionals in Greece in the time period 2018-2019 was higher in primary health centers (PHCs) with a percentage of 43.8% than in Hospitals which was 30.6%. In addition, in the time period 2019-2020 flu vaccination among health professionals was higher in PHCs with a percentage of 57.9% rather than in Hospitals with a percentage of 38.8%. Specifically, flu vaccination rate which took place in hospitals was higher among physicians than in other healthcare personnel. Furthermore, the fundamental reasons for recommending flu vaccination in healthcare professionals are presented, and issues related to denial or acceptance of it are highlighted. Measures and strategies are proposed in order to increase flu vaccination coverage in healthcare facilities in Greece. Conclusions: Based on this research review healthcare professionals (HCPs) especially the ones working in ICUs, in ICUs for newborn children, in Departments for acute care infections, in Departments caring of persons with immunodeficiency or Units for transplantation, Oncology and Haematology Departments, and finally, in Emergency Care Units need directly to be vaccinated for the flu virus. Different measures have been undertaken to promote flu vaccination and the percentage of implementation has been highlighted.

Vaccine Production Process: How Much Does the General Population Know about This Topic? A Web-Based Survey

“…The results from our survey highlighted that almost all the participants were aware that controls are carried out during the vaccine production process (94.1%), that quality controls are adequate to avoid contamination with impurities (about 90%), and that licensed vaccines have the same characteristics as those tested during vaccine development process (about 80%). This good level of awareness among our respondents regarding the quality controls performed during the vaccine production process seems to be in line with the results of a review published in 2020, which highlighted that most European citizens know that vaccines are strictly tested [33]. On the other hand, we found some knowledge gaps about specific aspects of the vaccine production process.…”

Knowledge and Attitudes of Health Professionals on the Influenza Vaccine

“…After a typical course, the flu virus can affect other organs such as the lungs, brain and heart and in some cases can result in prolonged hospitalization or even death, especially in older frail people. According to data from the National Agency for Public Health flu's main outbreaks in Greece are January -March thus, vaccinations preceding this period are in order and highly needed [1].…”