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

Abstract

(1) Influenza causes a significant health and socio-economic burden every year, and health personnel (HP) are at higher risk of exposure to respiratory pathogens than the general population. (2) The study’s purpose was to describe and compare influenza vaccine uptake and its prognostic factors among Medical Doctors (MDs) and Non-Medical Health Personnel (NMHP) vs. Non-HP (NHP). We analyzed 2014–2018 data (n = 105,608) from the Italian Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System PASSI that, since 2008, has been collecting health-related information continuously in sampled adults. (3) MDs and NMHP represented, respectively, 1.1% and 4.6% of the sample. Among HP, 22.8% (CI 19.8–26.1%) of MDs and 8.5% (CI 7.5–9.5%) of NMHP reported to have been vaccinated vs. 6.3% (CI 6.1–6.5%) in NHP. This difference is confirmed in the three categories (MDs, NMHP, NHP), even more across age groups: in 18–34 yy, respectively, 9.9%, 4.4%, 3.4% vs. 28.4%, 13.9%, 10.6% in 50–64 yy. PASSI surveillance shows an increasing influenza vaccination uptake over time, especially among MDs (22.2% in 2014 vs. 30.5% in 2018). (4) Despite such an increase, especially among younger HP, influenza vaccination uptake is low. Even more under pandemic scenarios, these figures represent key information to address effective strategies for disease prevention and health promotion.

Impact of Actively Offering Influenza Vaccination to Frail People during Hospitalisation: A Pilot Study in Italy

“…The questionnaire was addressed to the patients with the aim of identifying factors associated with the uptake of vaccination against influenza. In accordance with the pre-existing literature, the following items were investigated: personal and socio-demographic data, such as age, gender, work activity and level of study; health habits and behaviour, for instance, smoking and eating habits; state of health and comorbidities; previous influenza vaccination; and physician recommendations [ 16 , 17 ]. The variable “educational level” was categorised as follows: “Low” for primary school qualification, “Medium” for secondary school qualification and “High” for high school diploma and degree [ 18 ].…”

Management of the Vaccination Campaign in a Population of Frail Older Outpatients: A Pilot Study in Italy

“…The questionnaire was addressed to the patients with the aim of identify factors associated with influenza and pneumococcus vaccine uptake. According to previous literature, the following items were investigated: personal and socio-demographic data such as age, gender, education, health habits, and behaviour such as smoking, previous influenza vaccination, and physician recommendations [22,23]. We specifically investigated the characteristics of vaccinations such as if they were suggested or not by general practitioners (GP), if the patients were vaccinated against pneumococcus or influenza and the reasons of not being vaccinated in the past.…”