Seasonal influenza vaccination coverage: a multicenter cross-sectional study among healthcare workers

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the attitudes of healthcare workers against seasonal influenza vaccine and the reasons for vaccine avoidance. Materials and Methods: This national survey was conducted from April 1st to June 30th in 2017. The study was carried out among health care workers working in primary, secondary and tertiary care settings. A total of 12 questions were sent to 5046 health care professionals from 55 different cities who agreed to participate in the survey. Results: 7% of the participants stated that they get vaccinated regularly every year. 65.8% of the participants stated that they don't get vaccinated at all. The most important reason for those who did not receive influenza vaccination was their disbelief in the necessity of the vaccination (51.9%). The most common reason for the seasonal influenza vaccination was the prevention of influenza infection (56.7%). Conclusion: The results of the study showed that HCWs influenza vaccination rates are very low. Doctors have been found to have slightly better rates than other HCWs. The high level of education and the increase in professional experience had a positive effect on the vaccination rate. It is important to know the HCWs attitudes and behaviors towards the vaccination to increase the rates.

Influenza vaccination rates, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of healthcare workers in Turkey: A multicentre study

“…In our study; when emergency, internal and surgical units are evaluated according to vaccination rates, there was no significant difference detect between the groups. In the study by Tumturk et al from Turkey, when the ones who were regularly vaccinated each year were evaluated doctors were found to have the highest rate with 49.9% and they were followed by nurses with 21% 7 . Similarly, we determined that vaccination in doctors is higher who personally contacted with the patients and who planned a treatment than nurses and it is statistically significant.…”

“…The highest rates of vaccination in healthcare workers were found in Belgium and England 15 . In an extensive study conducted with 5046 healthcare workers by Tumturk et al from our country, while a regular vaccination at a rate of 7% was found 65.8% of the healthcare workers had never got influenza vaccine before 7 . In a study by Arda et al from the Izmir region, 41.7% of healthcare workers were vaccinated as a result of the local vaccination campaign implemented during the pandemic influenza season 16 .…”

“…Although vaccination has been recommended for healthcare workers and free vaccination has optionally been provided for healthcare workers by the Ministry of Health since 2002 the rates of vaccination are quite low in our country 6,7 . This study is the most extensive study in which behaviours and attitudes of healthcare workers on influenza vaccine are investigated.…”

Why are influenza vaccination coverage rates still too low among health care workers in a tertiary care children’s hospital in Turkey?

“…According to the statistical agency of Turkey, the nation’s influenza VCRs in 2014 fell from 3.3 to 2.6% in 2016 [ 23 ]. In a multicenter study carried out in 2017 in Turkey, the authors found that 7% of the HCWs received vaccine every year [ 24 ]. A European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control technical report from European Union, European Economic Area Member States noted that influenza VCR among HCWs for the 2015–2016, 2016–2017, and 2017–2018 seasons ranged from 15.6 to 63.2% [ 25 ].…”

Preliminary survey of knowledge, attitudes and practices among nurses regarding seasonal influenza and influenza vaccination

“…Similar low immunization rates (7%) were found in Turkey, despite recommendations for regular vaccination and provision of vaccine free of charge. 9 Due to the mandatory vaccination policies in the USA, immunization rates of HCWs reached 75.2% in 2013-2014. 10 However, whether vaccination should be compulsory for HCWs is debatable.…”