Uptake of Influenza Vaccine and Factors Associated with Influenza Vaccination among Healthcare Workers in Tertiary Care Hospitals in Bangladesh: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Influenza, highly contagious in hospital settings, imposes a substantial disease burden globally, and influenza vaccination is critical for healthcare workers (HCWs) to prevent this illness. This study assessed influenza vaccine uptake, including its associated factors among HCWs of tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh. Between September and December 2020, this multicenter study included 2046 HCWs from 11 hospitals. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data from physicians, nurses, and cleaning and administrative staff for the survey. Only 13.8% (283/2046) of HCWs received the influenza vaccine, of which the majority (76.7%, 217/283) received it for free from the hospital. Nurses had the highest (20.0%, 187/934) influenza vaccine coverage, followed by physicians at 13.5% (71/526), whereas cleaning staff had the lowest at 6.0% (19/318). Among unvaccinated HCWs, the desire to get vaccinated was high (86.2%), with half of the respondents even being willing to pay for it. The HCWs who were aware of the influenza vaccine were over five times more likely to get the vaccine (OR 5.63; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.88) compared to those who were not. HCWs in Bangladesh were vaccinated against influenza at a very low rate. Free and mandatory influenza vaccination programs should be initiated to optimize vaccine coverage among HCWs.

Healthcare Worker Characteristics Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Uptake in Ireland; a Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study

“…There are several possible reasons underlying low vaccine uptake in non-clinical workers. Non-clinical workers may have lower exposure to vaccine promotion campaigns, which have previously been associated with increased vaccine uptake [36]. The role of staff education across all staff grades regarding vaccination and the availability of accurate vaccine information should be considered in future vaccination programmes, especially as sharing of misbeliefs and misconceptions regarding vaccines are associated with reduced vaccine uptake [37].…”