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Gallant AJ, Harding A, Johnson C, Steenbeek A, Curran JA. Identifying H1N1 and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy or refusal among health care providers: a scoping review. JBI Evid Synth 2023; 21:913-951. [PMID: 36917102 PMCID: PMC10173945 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-22-00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to describe and map the evidence on COVID-19 and H1N1 vaccine hesitancy or refusal by physicians, nurses, and pharmacists in North America, the United Kingdom and the European Union, and Australia. INTRODUCTION Since 2009, we have experienced two pandemics: H1N1 "swine flu" and COVID-19. While severity and transmissibility of these viruses varied, vaccination has been a critical component of bringing both pandemics under control. However, uptake of these vaccines has been affected by vaccine hesitancy and refusal. The vaccination behaviors of health care providers, including physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, are of particular interest as they have been priority populations to receive both H1N1 and COVID-19 vaccinations. Their vaccination views could affect the vaccination decisions of their patients. INCLUSION CRITERIA Studies were eligible for inclusion if they identified reasons for COVID-19 or H1N1 vaccine hesitancy or refusal among physicians, nurses, or pharmacists from the included countries. Published and unpublished literature were eligible for inclusion. Previous reviews were excluded; however, the reference lists of relevant reviews were searched to identify additional studies for inclusion. METHODS A search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Academic Search Premier databases was conducted April 28, 2021, to identify English-language literature published from 2009 to 2021. Gray literature and citation screening were also conducted to identify additional relevant literature. Titles, abstracts, and eligible full-text articles were reviewed in duplicate by 2 trained reviewers. Data were extracted in duplicate using a structured extraction tool developed for the review. Conflicts were resolved through discussion or with a third team member. Data were synthesized using narrative and tabular summaries. RESULTS In total, 83 articles were included in the review. Studies were conducted primarily across the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. The majority of articles (n=70) used cross-sectional designs to examine knowledge, attitudes, and uptake of H1N1 (n=61) or COVID-19 (n=22) vaccines. Physicians, medical students, nurses, and nursing students were common participants in the studies; however, only 8 studies included pharmacists in their sample. Across health care settings, most studies were conducted in urban, academic teaching hospitals, with 1 study conducted in a rural hospital setting. Concerns about vaccine safety, vaccine side effects, and perceived low risk of contracting H1N1 or COVID-19 were the most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy or refusal across both vaccines. CONCLUSIONS With increased interest and attention on vaccines in recent years, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, more research that examines vaccine hesitancy or refusal across different health care settings and health care providers is warranted. Future work should aim to utilize more qualitative and mixed methods research designs to capture the personal perspectives of vaccine hesitancy and refusal, and consider collecting data beyond the common urban and academic health care settings identified in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Janet A. Curran
- IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Chen M, Li Y, Chen J, Wen Z, Feng F, Zou H, Fu C, Chen L, Shu Y, Sun C. An online survey of the attitude and willingness of Chinese adults to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:2279-2288. [PMID: 33522405 PMCID: PMC8189089 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1853449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: A safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19 has become a public health priority. However, little is known about the public willingness to accept a future COVID-19 vaccine in China. This study aimed to understand the willingness and determinants for the acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine among Chinese adults.Methods: A cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire was conducted in an adult population in China. Chi-square tests were used to identify differences for various intentions regarding COVID-19 vaccination. The t test was used to identify differences among vaccine hesitancy scores. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the predicated factors associated with the willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.Results: Of the 3195 eligible participants, 83.8% were willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and 76.6% believed the vaccine would be beneficial to their health; however, 74.9% expressed concerns or a neutral attitude regarding its potential adverse effects. Of the participants, 76.5% preferred domestically manufactured vaccines and were more willing to be vaccinated than those who preferred imported vaccines. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that lack of confidence, complacency in regard to health, risk of the vaccine, and attention frequency were the main factors affecting the intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.Conclusion: Our study indicated that the respondents in China had a high willingness to accept a COVID-19 vaccine, but some participants also worried about its adverse effects. Information regarding the efficacy and safety of an upcoming COVID-19 vaccine should be disseminated to ensure its acceptance and coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Musha Chen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanjun Li
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaoshan Chen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziyu Wen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Fengling Feng
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuanxi Fu
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuelong Shu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caijun Sun
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
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Evaluation of a 'serious game' on nursing student knowledge and uptake of influenza vaccination. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245389. [PMID: 33444348 PMCID: PMC7808644 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Influenza is a serious global healthcare issue that is associated with between 290,000 to 650,000 deaths annually. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a ‘serious game’ about influenza, on nursing student attitude, knowledge and uptake of the influenza vaccination. Methods 1306 undergraduate nursing students were invited, via email, to play an online game about influenza between September 2018 and March 2019. 430 nursing students accessed the game and completed an 8-item questionnaire measuring their attitudes to influenza between September 2018 and March 2019. In April 2019, 356 nursing students from this sample completed a follow-up 2-item questionnaire about their uptake of the influenza vaccination. A larger separate 40-item knowledge questionnaire was completed by a year one cohort of 124 nursing students in August 2018 prior to receiving access to the game and then after access to the game had ended, in April 2019. This sample was selected to determine the extent to which the game improved knowledge about influenza amongst a homogenous group. Results In the year preceding this study, 36.7% of the sample received an influenza vaccination. This increased to 47.8% after accessing to the game. Nursing students reported perceived improvements in their knowledge, intention to get the vaccination and intention to recommend the vaccination to their patients after playing the game. Nursing students who completed the 40-item pre- and post-knowledge questionnaire scored an average of 68.6% before receiving access to the game and 85.2% after. Using Paired T-Tests statistical analysis, it was determined that this 16.6% increase was highly statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions The research highlights that the influenza game can improve knowledge and intention to become vaccinated. This study suggests that improvement in influenza knowledge is likely to encourage more nursing students to receive the influenza vaccination.
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Mounier-Jack S, Bell S, Chantler T, Edwards A, Yarwood J, Gilbert D, Paterson P. Organisational factors affecting performance in delivering influenza vaccination to staff in NHS Acute Hospital Trusts in England: A qualitative study. Vaccine 2020; 38:3079-3085. [PMID: 32147294 PMCID: PMC7090903 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.02.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Health care workers are a priority group for seasonal influenza vaccination, which is recommended by the World Health Organisation. There is a wide variation in uptake between and within countries. England has achieved 69.5% of health care workers vaccinated overall in 2017/18 across NHS acute and community health care settings, but it varies between Trusts from 50% to over 92.3%. While attitudinal factors have been well researched, there is limited evidence on organisational factors associated with high uptake. In England, most NHS Trusts are now implementing a similar range of interventions as part of their flu programme, and it remains unclear why performance remains so variable. This qualitative study is the first to explore reasons for this variation and provide recommendations for lower performing Trusts on how to improve. Fifty-seven interviews of managers and vaccinators were conducted in nine hospitals with flu vaccination uptake ranging from just over 55% to above 90%. Our study found that while Trusts deployed a wide range of both demand generating and supply interventions to increase uptake, there were marked differences in the organisational and delivery models utilised. Our study suggests that organisational culture was possibly the most important ingredient when trying to differentiate between high and low performing Trusts. We found that a positive culture aimed at fostering continuous improvement and favouring non-coercion on balance yielded more adherence from staff. Where influenza vaccination was embedded in the organisation wellbeing strategy, rather than executed as a siloed seasonal programme, this tended to foster good performance. Improving performance of influenza vaccination in health care workers will involve not only deploying the right interventions, and following "best practices". It will require the adaptation of flu progamme delivery strategies to the organisation context, and embedding vaccination into the organisational culture, thus supporting the normalisation of yearly vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Mounier-Jack
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK.
| | - Sadie Bell
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Tracey Chantler
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Angela Edwards
- Department of Immunisation and Countermeasures, Public Health England, UK
| | - Jo Yarwood
- Department of Immunisation and Countermeasures, Public Health England, UK
| | | | - Pauline Paterson
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
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Souza TPD, Lobão WM, Santos CADST, Almeida MDCCD, Moreira Júnior ED. [Factors associated with the acceptance of the influenza vaccine among health workers: knowledge, attitude and practice]. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2019; 24:3147-3158. [PMID: 31389561 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232018248.21912017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza vaccine is recommended for all health workers, but vaccination coverage remains unsatisfactory. A cross-sectional study that aimed to identify factors associated with influenza vaccination was carried out with health workers from a large Hospital Complex in Salvador, Bahia. A self-administered questionnaire was used based on the models "Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices" and "Health Belief Model". The dependent variable was the vaccination status against influenza in 2014, and the independent variables were sociodemographic factors, vaccine history, knowledge and attitudes about influenza/influenza vaccine. Logistic regression was used, odds ratio was calculated with 95% confidence intervals, adjusting for sex, age and occupation. The best multivariate model was chosen through backwards elimination and the Akaike Information Criterion. 755 workers participated. Influenza vaccine coverage was 61.5%, being higher among nurses (69.0%) and lower among physicians (49.1%). The factors associated with being vaccinated against influenza were: knowing that even when healthy, one must vaccinate against influenza (OR = 3.15; 95%CI:1.74-5.71); knowing that the vaccine does not protect for many years (OR = 2.08; 95%CI:1.30-3.33); and not to be afraid of post-vaccine adverse effects (OR = 1.93; 95%CI: 1.26-2.95).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Pereira de Souza
- Instituto Gonçalo Muniz, Fiocruz. R. Waldemar Falcão 121, Candeal. 40296-710 Salvador BA Brasil.
| | - William Mendes Lobão
- Instituto Gonçalo Muniz, Fiocruz. R. Waldemar Falcão 121, Candeal. 40296-710 Salvador BA Brasil.
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Stead M, Critchlow N, Patel R, MacKintosh AM, Sullivan F. Improving uptake of seasonal influenza vaccination by healthcare workers: Implementation differences between higher and lower uptake NHS trusts in England. Infect Dis Health 2019; 24:3-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2018.09.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Surtees TC, Teh BW, Slavin MA, Worth LJ. Factors contributing to declination of annual influenza vaccination by healthcare workers caring for cancer patients: An Australian experience. Vaccine 2018; 36:1804-1807. [PMID: 29503114 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.02.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs) at an Australian cancer centre were evaluated using a voluntary declination form program to determine factors contributing to declination of annual influenza vaccination. Overall, 1835/2041 HCWs (89.9%) completed a consent or declination form; 1783 were vaccinated and 52 declined. Staff roles with minimal patient contact were significantly associated with lower vaccine uptake (adjusted odds ratio 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.23-0.99). Reasons for vaccine refusal included personal choice (41%), previous side-effect/s (23.1%), and medical reasons (23.1%). Of these, a large proportion may not be amenable to intervention, and this must be considered in setting threshold targets for future campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Surtees
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Prevention, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - B W Teh
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Prevention, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; National Centre for Infections in Cancer, National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence, The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - M A Slavin
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Prevention, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; National Centre for Infections in Cancer, National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence, The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - L J Worth
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Prevention, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; National Centre for Infections in Cancer, National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence, The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System (VICNISS), Doherty Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Karafillakis E, Larson HJ. The benefit of the doubt or doubts over benefits? A systematic literature review of perceived risks of vaccines in European populations. Vaccine 2017; 35:4840-4850. [PMID: 28760616 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.07.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The success of vaccination strategies depends in part on population perceptions of benefits and risks of vaccines and related confidence in vaccination. Better knowledge of public concerns about vaccines and what is driving them is needed to inform vaccination strategies and communications. This literature reviewer examined studies on vaccine and vaccination risk perceptions and concerns across European populations. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies published between 2004 and 2014 in Europe. A descriptive analysis was performed. FINDINGS A total of 145 articles were selected, most of which were conducted in the UK, the Netherlands and France and studied seasonal influenza, HPV and pandemic influenza vaccination. Across all countries and vaccines, the primary area of concern was vaccine safety, followed by perceptions of low likelihood of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), perceived low severity of VPDs, beliefs that vaccines do not work, and overall lack of information. Concerns were found to be vaccine-, country- and population-specific. CONCLUSION In addition to identifying concerns about vaccination in Europe, this study confirmed the notion that individuals have many safety concerns about vaccination and often believe that the risks of vaccination outweigh their benefits. More research needs to be conducted to explore the impact of different types of communication strategies, which would frame the benefits of vaccination as well as risks of not vaccinating. Strategies to better inform public perceptions of vaccines should include the provision of unbiased, comprehensive information tailored to population information needs, and delivered using multiple and new communication technologies such as social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Karafillakis
- Vaccine Confidence Project, London School of Hygiene & Tropical medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Heidi J Larson
- Vaccine Confidence Project, London School of Hygiene & Tropical medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
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Wada K, Smith DR. Mistrust surrounding vaccination recommendations by the Japanese government: results from a national survey of working-age individuals. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:426. [PMID: 25928236 PMCID: PMC4417325 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-1772-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Considering that public attitudes on vaccine safety and effectiveness are known to influence the success of vaccination campaigns, an increased understanding of socio-demographic characteristics might help improve future communication strategies and lead to greater rates of vaccination uptake. This study investigated associations between mistrust for governmental vaccine recommendations and the socio-demographic characteristics of working-age individuals in Japan. Methods A web-based, cross-sectional survey of vaccination attitudes was conducted among 3140 Japanese people aged 20 to 69 years. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine statistical associations between vaccination attitudes and socio-demographic characteristics, including the participant’s most trusted information resources, demographic factors and general health conditions. Results A total of 893 (28.4%) individuals reported a general mistrust towards the Japanese government’s recommendations for vaccination. Respondents who did not trust official government sources were more likely to consider friends, the internet and books (for both genders); family members and newspapers (among women only); and television (among men only), as the most trusted resources for vaccination-related information. Relatively poor health in men was associated with a general mistrust of vaccination recommendations (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 1.37, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): 1.07-1.69). A trend towards worsening general health was also associated with decreasing trust in vaccination recommendations by female respondents as follows: those reporting relatively good health (aOR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.02-1.47); relatively poor health (aOR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.22-1.90); and poor health (aOR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.41-2.63) (p for trend < 0.05). Conclusions Overall, this study suggests that communication strategies for rebuilding public trust in vaccination safety need to be urgently addressed in Japan. Such protocols must consider the information sources that working-age populations are most likely to utilize in this country, as well as their general health conditions, especially among females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Wada
- International Health Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Derek R Smith
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, Australia.
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Tuells J, Caballero P, Nolasco A. Creencias, actitudes e influencia de los medios de comunicación en trabajadores sanitarios españoles durante la gripe pandémica A (H1N1) 2009. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2013; 31:369-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2012.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Revised: 09/09/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Vieira RHG, Erdmann AL, Andrade SRD, Freitas PF. Influenza vaccination among nursing professionals: reality and challenges. ACTA PAUL ENFERM 2012. [DOI: 10.1590/s0103-21002012000900016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the profile, vaccination status and the motivating factors that lead nurses of a university hospital to get vaccinated against influenza in order to maximize coverage through adequate operational/educational strategies. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study with a sample size of 265 nurses. RESULTS: Vaccination coverage was found to be 49.8% in 2009, 92.4% in 2010 and 95.4% in 2011. The professional profile with better adherence to vaccination was the mid level, female, 41-50 years, separated/divorced, not living with people susceptible to influenza, except chronic patient, also with more than one employment bond, placed at emergency where they often have contact with patients, trained and working for over 20 years, vaccinated in their own work sector, motivated by self-protection. CONCLUSION: The coverage percentage of 92.5% in 2010 and 95.4% in 2011, were considered exceptional within the current global reality. Educational actions within the institution created an incorporated culture of biosafety related to the topic.
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Suresh PS, Thejaswini V, Rajan T. Factors associated with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccination acceptance among university students from India during the post-pandemic phase. BMC Infect Dis 2011; 11:205. [PMID: 21798074 PMCID: PMC3161886 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-11-205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There was a low adherence to influenza A (H1N1) vaccination program among university students and health care workers during the pandemic influenza in many parts of the world. Vaccination of high risk individuals is one of the recommendations of World Health Organization during the post-pandemic period. It is not documented about the student's knowledge, attitude and willingness to accept H1N1 vaccination during the post-pandemic period. We aimed to analyze the student's knowledge, attitude and willingness to accept H1N1 vaccination during the post-pandemic period in India. Methods Vaccine against H1N1 was made available to the students of Vellore Institute of Technology, India from September 2010. The data are based on a cross-sectional study conducted during October 2010 to January 2011 using a self-administered questionnaire with a representative sample of the student population (N = 802). Results Of the 802 respondents, only 102/802 (12.7%) had been vaccinated and 105/802 (13%) planned to do so in the future, while 595/802 (74%) would probably or definitely not get vaccinated in the future. The highest coverage was among the female (65/102, 63.7%) and non-compliance was higher among men in the group (384/595; 64.5%) (p < 0.0001). The representation of students from school of Bio-sciences and Bio-technology among vaccinees is significantly higher than that of other schools. Majority of the study population from the three groups perceived vaccine against H1N1 as the effective preventive measure when compared to other preventive measures. 250/595 (42%) of the responders argued of not being in the risk group. The risk perception was significantly higher among female (p < 0.0001). With in the study group, 453/802 (56.4%) said that they got the information, mostly from media. Conclusions Our study shows that the vaccination coverage among university students remains very low in the post-pandemic period and doubts about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine are key elements in their rejection. Our results indicate a need to provide accessible information about the vaccine safety by scientific authorities and fill gaps and confusions in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padmanaban S Suresh
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Vellore Institute of Technology University, Vellore, India.
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