Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Influenza vaccination among nonhospital healthcare workers (HCWs) is imperative, but only limited data are available for factors affecting their compliance.
OBJECTIVE:
To examine the factors influencing influenza vaccine compliance among hospital and nonhospital HCWs. Design and Setting. A vaccine compliance questionnaire was administered to HCWs working in myriad healthcare settings in March-June 2011.
METHODS:
Online and paper surveys were used to assess compliance with the 2010/2011, 2009/2010, and H1N1 influenza vaccines and to examine factors that predicted the uptake of the 2010/2011 seasonal influenza vaccine.
RESULTS:
In all, 3,188 HCWs completed the survey; half of these ([Formula: see text]) reported no hospital work time. Compliance rates for all 3 vaccines were significantly higher ([Formula: see text]) among hospital versus nonhospital HCWs. In logistic regression stratified by hospital versus nonhospital setting, and when controlling for demographics and past behavior, the determinants of vaccination against the 2010/2011 seasonal influenza among nonhospital-based HCWs included having a mandatory vaccination policy, perceived importance, no fear of vaccine adverse effects, free and on-site access, and perceived susceptibility to influenza. Determinants of hospital-based HCW vaccine compliance included having a mandatory vaccination policy, belief that HCWs should be vaccinated every year, occupational health encouragement, perceived importance of vaccination, on-site access, and no fear of vaccine adverse effects. The strongest predictor of compliance for both worker groups was existence of a mandatory vaccination policy.
CONCLUSIONS:
The reasons for vaccine uptake among nonhospital-based versus hospital-based HCWs differed. Targeted interventions should be aimed at workers in these settings to increase their vaccine compliance, including implementing a mandatory vaccination policy.
Comment in
Seasonal influenza vaccine compliance and use of declination forms. [Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2012]
