Gender, Socioeconomic, and Health Characteristics Associated with Influenza Vaccination Coverage (VC) among Italian Healthcare Workers: Secondary Analysis of a National Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Influenza epidemics pose a great overload over health-care facilities with an increase in the burden of disease for patients and healthcare costs. Despite a well-established amount of research in the area, vaccination rates show room for improvement and more research is needed in finding systematic interventions useful in improving healthcare workers (HCWs) vaccination coverage (VC). The purpose of this study was to describe the self-reported frequency of influenza immunization in HCWs and to identify demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and health factors associated with this practice in Italy. Data about 5823 workers participating in the Italian national survey about health and healthcare services utilization are analyzed in the present study. Overall, 18.8% of HCWs reported being vaccinated against seasonal flu. In the multilevel regression, older workers had a higher likelihood of vaccine uptake (OR: 6.07; 95% CI 4.72–7.79), similar to those with chronic conditions or poor self-perceived health status (OR: 2.18 95% CI 1.17–4.09). On the other hand, the results highlighted a lower rate of VC in female HCWs (OR: 0.73 95% CI 0.61–0.86). Data confirm the low compliance towards flu immunization among Italian HCWs and highlight an important gap to be investigated in women.

How has COVID-19 pandemic changed flu vaccination attitudes among an Italian cancer center healthcare workers?

“…As in previous works, our findings showed a low coverage, especially among the youngest share of personnel, and the healthiest component of HCWs. However, influenza vaccination rates were substantially higher than those published in the literature, 18 and in line with the recent paper by Di Pumpo et al 16 for the 2020/21 campaign, revealing greater attention to infection prevention by both Healthcare Administration and employees in our center, much characterized by highly specialized staff. Moreover, the average age of HCWs is estimated to be around 50 years in Italy, 15 while in our Institute it is noticeably lower (40.3 y).…”

Influenza Vaccination Uptake and Prognostic Factors among Health Professionals in Italy: Results from the Nationwide Surveillance PASSI 2015–2018

“…The following supporting information can be downloaded at: , Table S1: Study on influenza vaccination uptake among health professionals in Italy, 1990–2022 [ 20 , 21 , 26 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 ].…”