Influenza vaccination: opinions of health care professionals working in pediatric emergency departments

Abstract

Background Vaccine coverage of health care professionals against influenza is still low in Italy, as well as in other European countries. Methods Between March and May 2018, this study was performed to collect the opinions of Pediatric health care professionals, working in emergency departments, regarding the efficacy and safety of the influenza vaccine. An anonymous online survey was employed to evaluate socio-demographic and professional characteristics, knowledges, beliefs and attitudes. Results Five hundred four health care professionals completed the survey: 331 physicians, 140 nurses and 33 other health are professionals. During the 2017–18 season, 55.8% of physicians, 19.3% of nurses and 12.1% of other health care professionals had vaccinated against the influenza virus. Not vaccinated physicians and nurses with less than 40 years of age were fewer than not vaccinated physicians and nurses with more than 40 years of age. Nurses and other health care professionals were less trustworthy of the influenza vaccination, less aware of the possibility of contracting and transmitting influenza and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Conclusions Insufficient adherence to the influenza vaccination in physicians, nurses and other health care professionals is a concern for those assisting high-risk patients, especially in emergency departments. Therefore, it is vital to promote education of health care professionals and students regarding vaccinations. High vaccine coverage should be embedded in the safe hospital paradigm and should become a goal for the hospital's directors.

Experience and attitudes on vaccinations recommended during pregnancy: survey on an Italian sample of women and consultant gynecologists

“…The data on the immunization history of the gynecologists in this study are not very encouraging (42.9% never vaccinated against influenza and 85% never against Tdap). The data are in line with the literature 41 , 45 , 46 and highlight a low immunization compliance of subjects that should play a pivotal role to influence vaccination compliance among patients. 47 Extensive information and training programs on new scientific evidence in vaccinations and on communication strategies should be provided to maternal healthcare workers, gynecologists, obstetricians, primary care physicians, and nurses.…”

“…This need for information is highlighted also by other studies where health care workers report a lack of support by communication experts and opportunities in their practice. 41 , 44 The distribution of handouts contributes to increasing awareness and vaccination adherence, as highlighted in our study (5.3 times higher the chance of being informed among vaccinated women). However, few gynecologists use information material during their counseling.…”

“…The different attitudes toward the two recommended vaccinations could be explained as misconceptions about the severity of the illnesses, in the health care personnel too, as found in our study and in the literature. 39 , 41 Moreover, their immunization history highlights poor adherence to the vaccinations with a not negligible finding about the risk of contracting influence, higher in health care workers vs other professions though not statistically significant (17.4% vs 9.6%, p = .2411).…”

Self-reported immunity and opinions on vaccination of hospital personnel among paediatric healthcare workers in Denmark

“…Like in our setting, most studies report lower vaccination uptake by nurses compared to physicians, which is of concern as nurses commonly spend more time with the patients than physicians do. The finding reflects different levels of knowledge and attitudes about influenza and its prevention, suggesting a need for specific and profession-tailored programs [22] , [23] , [24] , [25] .…”

Physicians' Perspectives on Vaccinations

“…The above results are consistent with the results of our study, which also shows a lower vaccination coverage rate among nurses than physicians, however in Poland only 16,5% of nurses receive annual vaccinations, whereas in the United States it is around 90%. According to our study and literature [9], compared to physicians, nurses were less trustworthy of the influenza vaccination, which is a worrying matter, especially when it comes to professionals caring for high-risk patients. Furthermore, according to our data, only 25.31% of healthcare workers report being vaccinated against influenza annually.…”