Seasonal influenza vaccination of healthcare workers: a narrative review

Abstract

Influenza is an acute respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus which often occurs in outbreaks and epidemics worldwide. The World Health Organization recommends annual vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) against influenza, because most of them are involved in the direct care of patients with a high risk of influenza-related complications. Given the significance of the disease burden, a targeted literature review was conducted to assess issues related to influenza vaccination among HCWs. The primary aim of this review was to assess the incidence of influenza among medical personnel and healthcare-associated influenza, and to outline the benefits of influenza vaccination for patients and HCWs themselves. Vaccination of HCWs seems to be an important strategy for reducing the transmission of influenza from healthcare personnel to their patients and, therefore, for reducing patient morbidity and mortality, increasing patient safety, and reducing work absenteeism among HCWs. The benefits of influenza vaccination for their patients and for HCWs themselves are addressed in literature, but the evidence is mixed and often of low-quality.

The Economic and Fiscal Impact of Influenza Vaccination for Health Care Workers in Italy

“…Furthermore, several studies reported data on presenteeism associated with influenza-like illness (ILI) among HCWs [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Results of these studies show that a large group of physicians (even >75% [ 11 ]) admit to carrying out their work despite having flu-like symptoms (the so-called presenteeism).…”

“…Furthermore, several studies reported data on presenteeism associated with influenza-like illness (ILI) among HCWs [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Results of these studies show that a large group of physicians (even >75% [ 11 ]) admit to carrying out their work despite having flu-like symptoms (the so-called presenteeism). For example, according to the results of an American survey (involving 1914 HCWs; influenza season 2014–2015), 41.4% of the respondents reported being present at work with influenza-like symptoms (a median of 3 days), while pharmacists and physicians were the ones who most commonly reported being present at work when sick (67.2% and 63.2%, respectively) [ 12 ].…”

“…For example, according to the results of an American survey (involving 1914 HCWs; influenza season 2014–2015), 41.4% of the respondents reported being present at work with influenza-like symptoms (a median of 3 days), while pharmacists and physicians were the ones who most commonly reported being present at work when sick (67.2% and 63.2%, respectively) [ 12 ]. In this way, HCWs can promote influenza virus transmission, putting patients at risk [ 11 ].…”

“…Globally, it is estimated that the HCWs influenza vaccination rates range from 2–44% and the recommended optimal influenza vaccination coverage rate for medical personnel to protect patients is about of 90% [ 11 ].…”

“…By decreasing the morbidity and mortality of VPDs, vaccinated workers are more likely to have improved productivity, work for more time, and remain active and prolific for longer in the job market than unvaccinated workers [ 21 ]. Moreover, flu immunization is recommended during seasonal epidemics to ensure proper functionality of health services and prevent presenteeism and absenteeism [ 11 , 22 ].…”