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Influenza Vaccination Among Healthcare Workers in a University Children's Hospital

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 June 2016

Terhi Tapiainen ,
Gurli Bär ,
Urs B. Schaad  and
Ulrich Heininger
Terhi Tapiainen
Affiliation:
University Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
Gurli Bär
Affiliation:
University Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
Urs B. Schaad
Affiliation:
University Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
Ulrich Heininger*
Affiliation:
University Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
*
University Children's Hospital, PO Box, CH-4005 Basel, Switzerland[email protected]
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Abstract

Objectives:

To evaluate the attitudes of pediatric healthcare workers (HCWs) toward influenza vaccination and to increase their rate of immunization.

Methods:

A survey was conducted among pediatric HCWs using an anonymous questionnaire. Survey results were used to design an intervention to increase the immunization rate of staff. Immunization rates before (2003-2004) and after (2004-2005) intervention were assessed using immunization clinic records.

Setting:

A university children's hospital in Switzerland.

Interventions:

(1) An informational letter based on misconceptions noted in the survey, (2) educational conversations with head nurses, (3) more “walk-in” immunization clinics, and (4) a direct offer of influenza immunization on the wards.

Results:

Among vaccine nonrecipients, doubts about the efficacy and necessity of influenza immunization were prevalent and more often reported by nurses than physicians (75% vs 41%, P = .002; and 55% vs 23%, P = .001, respectively). Physicians more often than nurses reported lack of time as a reason for not receiving influenza vaccination (23% vs 5%, P = .01). After intervention, the immunization rate of HCWs increased from 19% to 24% (P = .03). The immunization rate of physicians increased from 43% to 64% (P = .004). No change was noted among nurses (13% vs 14%) and other HCWs (16% vs 16%).

Conclusions:

Misconceptions about influenza vaccination were prevalent among pediatric staff, particularly nurses. Active promotion and educational efforts were successful in increasing the immunization rate of physicians but not nurses and other HCWs.

Type
Original Article
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 26 , Issue 11 , November 2005 , pp. 855 - 858
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 2005

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