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McCarron M, Marcenac P, Yau TS, Lafond KE, Ebama MS, Duca LM, Sahakyan G, Bino S, Coulibaly D, Emukule G, Khanthamaly V, Zaraket H, Cherkaoui I, Otorbaeva D, Stravidis K, Safarov A, Bettaieb J, Igboh LS, Azziz-Baumgartner E, Vanyan A, Manukyan A, Nelaj E, Preza I, Douba A, N'Gattia A, Tengbriacheu C, Pathammavong C, Alame M, Alj L, Ben Salah A, Lambach P, Bresee JS. Healthcare personnel acceptance and recommendations for influenza vaccine in twelve low- and middle-income countries: A pooled analysis from 2018 to 2020. Vaccine 2024; 42 Suppl 4:125670. [PMID: 39198045 PMCID: PMC11464209 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although healthcare personnel (HCP) are targeted for influenza vaccination they typically underutilize vaccines especially in low- and middle-income countries. We explored knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HCP about seasonal influenza vaccines (SIV) to identify factors associated with and modifiable barriers to SIV uptake. METHODS We pooled individual-level data from cross-sectional surveys about SIV conducted among health workers in 12 low- and middle- income countries during 2018-2020 (i.e., Albania, Armenia, Cote d'Ivoire, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lao PDR, Lebanon, Morocco, North Macedonia, Tunisia, Tajikistan, and Uganda). Eleven countries used a standard protocol and questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model to measure perceptions of susceptibility and severity of influenza disease, benefits of, barriers to, and motivators for vaccination. We analyzed attitudes and perceptions among HCP, including acceptance of vaccine for themselves and willingness to recommend vaccines to patients, grouped by the presence/absence of a national influenza vaccination program. Models were adjusted for geographic region. RESULTS Our analysis included 10,281 HCP from 12 countries representing four of the six World Health Organization regions: African, Eastern Mediterranean, European, and Western Pacific. The sample was distributed across low income (LIC) (3,183, 31 %), lower-middle (LMIC) (4,744, 46 %), and upper-middle income (UMIC) (2,354, 23 %) countries. Half (50 %) of the countries included in the analysis reported SIV use among HCP in both the year of and the year preceding data collection while the remainder had no influenza vaccination program for HCP. Seventy-four percent (6,341) of HCP reported that they would be willing to be vaccinated if the vaccine was provided free of charge. HCP in LICs were willing to pay prices for SIV representing a higher percentage of their country's annual health expenditure per capita (6.26 % [interquartile range, IQR: 3.13-12.52]) compared to HCP in LMICs and UMICs. HCP in countries with no SIV program were also willing to pay a higher percentage for SIV (5.01 % [IQR: 2.24-8.34]) compared to HCP in countries with SIV programs.. Most (85 %) HCP in our analysis would recommend vaccines to their patients, and those who would accept vaccines for themselves were 3 times more likely to recommend vaccines to their patients (OR 3.1 [95 % CI 1·8, 5·2]). CONCLUSION Increasing uptake of SIV among HCP can amplify positive impacts of vaccination by increasing the likelihood that HCP recommend vaccines to their patients. Successful strategies to achieve increased uptake of vaccines include clear guidance from health authorities, interventions based on behavior change models, and access to vaccine free-of-charge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tat S Yau
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Lindsey M Duca
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gayane Sahakyan
- National Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Yerevan, Armenia
| | | | | | - Gideon Emukule
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Hassan Zaraket
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | | | - Kristina Stravidis
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Public Health, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | | | | | - Ledor S Igboh
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Artavazd Vanyan
- National Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Ani Manukyan
- National Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Yerevan, Armenia
| | | | | | - Alfred Douba
- National Institute of Public Hygiene, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Afif Ben Salah
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Stefanizzi P, Di Lorenzo A, Capodiferro L, Moscara L, Noviello C, Vimercati L, De Maria L, Tafuri S. Increasing vaccination coverage among healthcare workers: Active call and mandatory laws. Data from a large general hospital in Southern Italy. Vaccine 2024; 42:126098. [PMID: 39013692 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.06.065] [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] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are respiratory pathogens which significantly impact healthcare systems. Seasonal vaccination is recommended for all healthcare workers (HCWs) to reduce the risk for both operators and patients. Puglia, a region in Southern Italy, has been enforcing since 2018 a law mandating influenza vaccination in healthcare workers. However, vaccination coverages for this category have always been suboptimal. Our study tests the effectiveness of an active recall intervention on vaccination coverage for influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in the HCWs of a large Apulian hospital (Southern Italy). During the 2023-2024 influenza vaccination season, unvaccinated HCWs of Bari's Policlinico General Hospital were contacted. The e-mail reminded them of a regional law mandating influenza vaccination to all HCWs and offered an appointment for vaccination. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was also offered. In 2022-2023, 43.16 % of HCWs were vaccinated against influenza and 21.87 % against SARS-CoV-2. Coverage changed during the 2023-2024 season to 54.11 % and 13.58 %, respectively. A regression model showed that vaccination uptake's increase was associated with the e-mail reception and with the operator being a physician vs. non-medical personnel. On the contrary, subjects who received the e-mail did not show an increased SARS-CoV-2 vaccination uptake, which was on the contrary influenced by the worker's age, sex, job title, and area of risk. Our soft-mandate intervention was effective in increasing vaccination uptake by HCWs. Communication with a trained specialist was probably useful, and the possibility to access vaccination services with dedicated appointments increased convenience. Mandatory vaccination policies and active recall seem to synergically impact vaccination uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Di Lorenzo
- Bari Aldo Moro University, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Italy
| | - Luca Capodiferro
- Bari Policlinico General University Hospital, Board of Medical Directors, Control Room Program Unit, Italy
| | - Lorenza Moscara
- Bari Aldo Moro University, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Italy
| | - Chiara Noviello
- Bari Aldo Moro University, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Italy
| | - Luigi Vimercati
- Bari Aldo Moro University, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Italy
| | - Luigi De Maria
- Bari Aldo Moro University, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Italy
| | - Silvio Tafuri
- Bari Aldo Moro University, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Italy
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Kalcic K, Peddle M. Healthcare workers' perspectives on mandatory influenza vaccination: a scoping review. Contemp Nurse 2024:1-11. [PMID: 39037947 DOI: 10.1080/10376178.2024.2375531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Background: Vaccination is efficacious at preventing influenza disease transmission, morbidity and mortality. Benefits of influenza vaccination for healthcare workers (HCW) are emphasized, yet vaccine uptake among HCW remains suboptimal. Mandatory vaccination programs may increase influenza vaccine uptake, however, attitudes and beliefs of HCW towards these mandates are not well known.Aims: This scoping review examined the attitudes and beliefs of HCW to ascertain the barriers and enablers to the implementation and acceptance of mandatory vaccination programs in healthcare settings.Design: Scoping review, guided by the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews.Methods: Literature published between 2019 and 2023 was reviewed from five electronic databases, between June and October 2023.Data sources: Quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies were obtained. Studies were limited to full-text English articles, published within peer-reviewed journals over the last five years. Data were extracted by both authors and documented using a modified version of the JBI's scoping review data extraction instrument, and analyzed thematically.Results: The original search yielded 319 articles. Forty-two articles were screened, with 10 studies included. Most HCW had negative views towards mandatory influenza vaccination, influenced by geographical location, age and discipline. The protection of patients and affordability/accessibility of vaccination were described as enablers to the acceptance of mandatory measures. The belief that mandatory vaccination was a violation of autonomy and misconceptions concerning influenza transmission, vaccine mechanism of action, side effects and effectiveness, were described as common barriers.Conclusions: Health services must carefully consider the context in which mandatory vaccination programs are implemented and employ strategies that incorporate education and promote vaccine accessibility, affordability and HCW autonomy. The quality of evidence retrieved was moderate to poor, with high heterogeneity between studies. Minimal Australian research was evident, limiting the generalisability of findings. These results should be interpreted with caution and further high-quality research is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaely Kalcic
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Monica Peddle
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood Victoria 3125, Australia
- The Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research in the Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
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Godono A, Clari M, Corgiat Loia R, Panero B, Noè S, Carena E, Mansour I, Dimonte V, Pira E, Charrier L. Serosusceptibility and hesitancy for booster HBV vaccination among health care workers in Italy: A cross-sectional study. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:1095-1099. [PMID: 38705062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.04.011] [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] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health care workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV). The most effective prevention measure is vaccination, with a serum hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) titre > 10 mIU/ml considered protective. To date, the sociodemographic and occupational characteristics related to HBV serosusceptibility and factors associated with booster hesitancy remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to identify factors associated with maintaining a protective HBsAb titre in a large sample of HCWs and to evaluate factors potentially associated with hesitancy towards vaccine boosters. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs who underwent a health surveillance visit between 2017 and 2022. If the serum HBsAb titre was < 10 MIU/ml, a vaccine booster dose was offered. Based on their willingness to be vaccinated, employees were classified into three groups: acceptance, hesitation, and refusal. Uni- and multivariable analyses were performed to assess the association of demographic and occupational characteristics with serosusceptibility and attitudes towards vaccination. RESULTS A total of 1632 (27%) employees were shown to be nonimmune. A lower median age and being a physician were significantly associated with a protective HBsAb titre. A total of 706 nonimmune employees (43.3%) accepted the vaccination, 865 (53%) hesitated, and 61 (3.7%) refused. The median age of those who refused vaccination was significantly higher than that of those who hesitated and those who were vaccinated. Acceptance of vaccination was significantly higher among nurses, while nurse aides hesitated more; among nonmedical graduate staff both hesitation and refusal were higher than expected. In the multivariable analysis, higher age, female sex, and employment as an allied health care professional were shown to be significantly associated with hesitation/refusal, while being born abroad turned out to be protective. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that approximately a quarter of HCWs were not immune to HBV infection, and of these, more than half were hesitant towards or refused the booster dose. The risk of hesitation/refusal was higher with age in women and among allied health care staff. Based on these findings, further studies are needed to prospectively evaluate HBV seroprevalence, vaccination adherence, factors associated with hesitancy, and the effectiveness of health surveillance strategies in a high-risk population susceptible to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Godono
- Department of Sciences of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Clari
- Department of Sciences of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Italy.
| | | | - Bruna Panero
- Department of Sciences of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Samuele Noè
- Department of Sciences of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Elisa Carena
- Department of Sciences of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Ihab Mansour
- Department of Sciences of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Valerio Dimonte
- Department of Sciences of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Enrico Pira
- Department of Sciences of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Lorena Charrier
- Department of Sciences of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Italy
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Okpani AI, Adu P, Paetkau T, Lockhart K, Yassi A. Are COVID-19 vaccination mandates for healthcare workers effective? A systematic review of the impact of mandates on increasing vaccination, alleviating staff shortages and decreasing staff illness. Vaccine 2024; 42:1022-1033. [PMID: 38281897 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.041] [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] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines is a cornerstone in the global effort to combat the pandemic. Healthcare workers (HCWs), being at the forefront of the pandemic response, have been the focus of vaccine mandate policies. This review aims to evaluate the impacts of COVID-19 vaccine mandates among HCWs, a critical step in understanding the broader implications of such policies in healthcare settings. OBJECTIVE The review seeks to synthesize available literature to contribute to greater understanding of the outcomes associated with COVID-19 vaccine mandates for HCWs including vaccine uptake, infection rates, and staffing. METHODS A systematic search of relevant literature published from March 2020 to September 2023 was conducted. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was employed for quality assessment of the included articles. A total of 4,779 publications were identified, with 15 studies meeting the inclusion criteria for the review. A narrative synthesis approach was used to analyze these studies. RESULTS COVID-19 vaccine mandates for HCWs were broadly successful in increasing vaccine uptake in most settings. Although the penalties imposed on unvaccinated HCWs did not lead to major disruption of health services, less well-resourced areas may have been more impacted. Furthermore, there is insufficient literature on the impact of the vaccine mandate on reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs. CONCLUSION COVID-19 vaccine mandates for HCWs have significant implications for public health policy and healthcare management. The findings underscore the need for tailored approaches in mandate policies, considering the specific contexts of healthcare settings and the diverse populations of HCWs. While mandates have shown potential in increasing vaccine uptake with minimal impacts to staffing, more work is needed to investigate the impacts of mandates across various contexts. In addition to these impacts, future research should focus on long-term effects and implications on broader public health strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold I Okpani
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Prince Adu
- Department of Social Medicine, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Dublin, OH, USA
| | - Tyler Paetkau
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Karen Lockhart
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Annalee Yassi
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Clari M, Albanesi B, Comoretto RI, Conti A, Renzi E, Luciani M, Ausili D, Massimi A, Dimonte V. Effectiveness of interventions to increase healthcare workers' adherence to vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis, 1993 to 2022. Euro Surveill 2024; 29:2300276. [PMID: 38426238 PMCID: PMC10986662 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2024.29.9.2300276] [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] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BackgroundVaccination adherence among healthcare workers (HCWs) is fundamental for the prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in healthcare. This safeguards HCWs' well-being, prevents transmission of infections to vulnerable patients and contributes to public health.AimThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to describe interventions meant to increase HCWs' adherence to vaccination and estimate the effectiveness of these interventions.MethodsWe searched literature in eight databases and performed manual searches in relevant journals and the reference lists of retrieved articles. The study population included any HCW with potential occupational exposure to VPDs. We included experimental and quasi-experimental studies presenting interventions aimed at increasing HCWs' adherence to vaccination against VPDs. The post-intervention vaccination adherence rate was set as the main outcome. We included the effect of interventions in the random-effects and subgroup meta-analyses.ResultsThe systematic review considered 48 studies on influenza and Tdap vaccination from database and manual searches, and 43 were meta-analysed. A statistically significant, positive effect was seen in multi-component interventions in randomised controlled trials (relative risk (RR) = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.13-1.66) and in observational studies (RR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.29-1.58). Vaccination adherence rate was higher in community care facilities (RR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.49-1.68) than in hospitals (RR = 1.24; 95% CI: 0.76-2.05).ConclusionInterventions aimed at increasing HCWs' adherence to vaccination against VPDs are effective, especially multi-component ones. Future research should determine the most effective framework of interventions for each setting, using appropriate study design for their evaluation, and should compare intervention components to understand their contribution to the effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Clari
- Department of Sciences of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- These authors contributed equally to this work and shared first authorship
| | - Beatrice Albanesi
- Department of Sciences of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- These authors contributed equally to this work and shared first authorship
| | | | - Alessio Conti
- Department of Sciences of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Erika Renzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Luciani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan Italy
| | - Davide Ausili
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan Italy
| | - Azzurra Massimi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Dimonte
- Department of Sciences of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
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Jia W, Zhang X, Sun R, Li P, Wang D, Song C. Effective measures to improve influenza vaccination coverage among healthcare workers during and after COVID-19. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2289243. [PMID: 38053367 PMCID: PMC10760389 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2289243] [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] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The influenza vaccine is the most effective measure to prevent influenza. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of measures taken by the hospital on the influenza vaccination coverage of medical staff after implementation. We collected and compared the influenza vaccination of staff in key departments from 2018 to 2022. As the results, in 2018 and 2019, the influenza vaccination rates of staff in key departments in our hospital were generally as low as 10.3% and 11.6%, respectively. After the policy of free vaccination for staff in key departments was adopted in 2020 and other incentive measures, the overall influenza vaccination rates of key departments from 2020 to 2022 were 77.2%, 71.4%, and 81.3%, respectively, which were significantly higher than the pre-2020 vaccination rates in our hospital and healthcare workers in most regions of China. In conclusion, with the implementation of several measures to promote influenza vaccination, the rate of influenza vaccination among medical staff has significantly increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanyu Jia
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Infection and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Infection and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ruiyang Sun
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Infection and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Peng Li
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Infection and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Daobin Wang
- Zhecheng County People’s Hospital, Shangqiu, Henan, China
| | - Chunlan Song
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Infection and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Flanagan P, Dowling M, Sezgin D, Mereckiene J, Murphy L, Giltenane M, Carr P, Gethin G. The effectiveness of interventions to improve the seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among nurses: A systematic review. J Infect Prev 2023; 24:268-277. [PMID: 37969468 PMCID: PMC10638950 DOI: 10.1177/17571774231208115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Seasonal influenza is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Despite annual recommendations, influenza vaccination uptake rates are disproportionately lower among nurses compared to other health care professionals, especially when compared to physicians. Nurses have an additional risk of exposure to influenza infection due to the nature of their work. Aim To determine the effectiveness of interventions in increasing seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among nurses. Methods Evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to improve seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among nurses was systematically reviewed. A comprehensive search of six electronic databases and grey literature was undertaken. A minimum of two reviewers completed study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment independently. Results One hundred and thirty-four studies were identified of which one cluster randomised trial met the inclusion criteria. The results of the included study found the implementation of an intervention with multiple components increased nurses' seasonal influenza vaccination rates during a single influenza season in geriatric healthcare settings in France. As the evidence in this review was very limited, it was not possible to make recommendations regarding which interventions were effective at increasing the seasonal influenza vaccination rate for nurses. Conclusion This systematic review highlights a lack of high-quality studies that assessed interventions to improve the seasonal influenza vaccination of nurses. In view of the likelihood of influenza and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic occurring together, it is imperative to have evidence on effective interventions for the nursing workforce and for policy decision makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Flanagan
- School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maura Dowling
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Duygu Sezgin
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Louise Murphy
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick, Galway, Ireland
| | - Martina Giltenane
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick, Galway, Ireland
| | - Peter Carr
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Georgina Gethin
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Challenger A, Sumner P, Powell E, Bott L. Identifying reasons for non-acceptance of influenza vaccine in healthcare workers: an observational study using declination form data. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1167. [PMID: 37891521 PMCID: PMC10604813 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10141-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare workers are sometimes required to complete a declination form if they choose not to accept the influenza vaccine. We analysed the declination data with the goal of identifying barriers to vaccination uptake across seasons, staff groups, and pre- and post- arrival of COVID-19. METHODS Reasons for declining the vaccine were gathered from N = 2230 declination forms, collected over four influenza seasons, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, from a single health board in the UK. Reasons were classified according to ten categories and the resulting distribution analysed across year and staff groups. A further analysis considered the two most prevalent categories in more detail. RESULTS Fear of adverse reactions and Lack of perception of own risk were identified as primary reasons for not accepting the vaccine across time and across staff groups. However, there was no evidence that Lack of concern with influenza, or Doubts about vaccine efficacy was prevalent, contrary to previous findings. Overall, reasons fitted a pattern of underestimating risk associated with influenza and overestimating risk of minor adverse reactions. There were also differences across years, χ2(24) = 123, p < .001. In particular, there were relatively fewer Lack of perception of own risk responses post-COVID-19 arrival than before, χ2(8) = 28.93, p = .002. CONCLUSION This study shows that data collected from declination forms yields sensible information concerning vaccine non-acceptance without the difficulties of retrospective or pre-emptive reasoning suffered by questionnaires. Our findings will aid messaging campaigns designed to encourage uptake of the influenza vaccine in healthcare workers. In particular, we argue for an approach focused on risk perception rather than correction of straightforward misconceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee Challenger
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre On Investment for Health and Wellbeing, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Petroc Sumner
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Tower Building, 70 Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, Wales, UK
| | - Eryl Powell
- Aneurin Bevan Gwent Public Health Team, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Wales, UK
| | - Lewis Bott
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Tower Building, 70 Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, Wales, UK.
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Alsaif F, Twigg M, Scott S, Blyth A, Wright D, Patel A. A systematic review of barriers and enablers associated with uptake of influenza vaccine among care home staff. Vaccine 2023; 41:6156-6173. [PMID: 37673716 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.08.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Barriers and enablers to vaccination of care home (CH) staff should be identified in order to develop interventions to address them that increase uptake and protect residents. We aimed to synthesis the evidence describing the barriers and enablers that affect the influenza vaccination uptake of care home (CH) staff. METHOD We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, AMED, IBSS, SCOPUS to identify quantitative, qualitative or mixed-method studies. Data related to health or social care workers in CHs reported barriers or enablers were extracted and mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF); the data within each domain were grouped and categorized into key factors affecting influenza vaccine uptake among CH staff. RESULTS We screened 4025 studies; 42 studies met our inclusion criteria. Thirty-four (81 %) were surveys. Five theoretical domains were frequently reported as mediators of influenza vaccine uptake: Beliefs about consequences (32 studies), Environmental context and resources (30 studies), Emotions (26 studies), Social influences (25 studies), Knowledge (22 studies). The low acceptance rate of the influenza vaccine among CH staff can be attributed to multiple factors, including insufficient understanding of the vaccine, its efficacy, or misconceptions about the vaccine (knowledge), perceiving the vaccine as ineffective and unsafe (beliefs about consequences), fear of influenza vaccine and its side effects (emotions), and experiencing limited accessibility to the vaccine (environmental context and resources). CONCLUSION Interventions aimed at increasing influenza vaccine uptake among CH staff should focus on addressing the barriers identified in this review. These interventions should include components such as enhancing knowledge by providing accurate information about vaccine benefits and safety, addressing negative beliefs by challenging misconceptions, managing concerns and fears through open communication, and improving accessibility to the vaccine through convenient on-site options. This review provides a foundation for the development of tailored Interventions to improve influenza vaccine uptake among CH staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Alsaif
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Michael Twigg
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Sion Scott
- School of Healthcare, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Annie Blyth
- School of Economics, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - David Wright
- School of Healthcare, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Amrish Patel
- School of Economics, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
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11
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Tuckerman J, Riley K, Straube S, Mohammed H, Danchin M, Marshall HS. Interventions for increasing the uptake of immunisations in healthcare workers: A systematic review. Vaccine 2023; 41:5499-5506. [PMID: 37527954 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.07.064] [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] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systemic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for increasing the uptake of immunisation in healthcare workers (HCWs) compared to no or alternative interventions. METHODS A systematic review was undertaken (until March 2022) using a search strategy established a priori to capture studies that examined the effect of interventions on vaccination levels in HCWs. We included randomised controlled trials (RCT), cluster RCTs, controlled before-after (CBA) studies and interrupted time-series (ITS) studies. We described studies descriptively and synthesized results with a fixed-effect or random-effects model meta-analysis, where appropriate. The risk of bias was assessed for each study; the quality evidence per comparison was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). RESULTS We identified three RCTs, six cluster RCTs and four ITS studies. There was a diverse range of interventions; many included an educational component. Based on the evidence examined the following may be effective strategies in increasing the proportion of HCWs vaccinated: policy interventions, targeted and multicomponent strategies, tailored programs directed at management, physician delivered education with a vaccine 'champion' and individual decision analysis. Limited eligible studies restricted synthesis and interpretation of findings. No studies evaluated the effectiveness of legislation. Nor did we find studies evaluating the effectiveness of incentives on their own or studies focusing solely on improving access to vaccination. We judged all the studies as either unclear or high risk of bias. CONCLUSION Few robust studies that evaluate interventions to increase vaccination in HCWs are available. A limitation of this systematic review is that interventions are diverse, poorly reported and few were sufficiently alike to combine in an evaluation. More research on the effects of interventions to increase vaccination in HCWs is required, this should address a variety of vaccines and not just influenza vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Tuckerman
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Kathryn Riley
- Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women's and Children's Health Network, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sebastian Straube
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hassen Mohammed
- Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women's and Children's Health Network, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Margie Danchin
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Helen S Marshall
- Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women's and Children's Health Network, North Adelaide, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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12
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Willis DE, Reece S, Gurel-Headley M, Selig JP, Li J, Zimmerman S, Cornett LE, McElfish PA. Social processes, practical issues, and COVID-19 vaccination among hesitant adults. Vaccine 2023; 41:5150-5158. [PMID: 37423799 PMCID: PMC11045247 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study is to examine relationships between COVID-19 vaccination, social processes, and the practical issues of healthcare coverage and workplace requirements. We examine these relationships among individuals who expressed some degree of hesitancy towards receiving the vaccine. Assessing relationships between COVID-19 vaccination, social processes, and practical issues among vaccine-hesitant individuals has implications for public health policy and intervention. METHODS We analyzed weighted data from a random sample phone survey of Arkansas adults (N = 2,201) between March 1st and March 28th, 2022 and constrained our analytical sample to those who had reported some degree of vaccine hesitancy (N = 1,251). Statistical analyses included weighted and unweighted descriptive statistics, weighted bivariate logistic regressions, and a weighted multivariate logistic regression to obtain adjusted odds ratios for COVID-19 vaccination. RESULTS More than two-thirds (62.5 %) of respondents were vaccinated, despite their hesitancy. Adjusted odds of COVID-19 vaccination were greater among Black (OR = 2.55; 95 % CI[1.63, 3.97]) and Hispanic respondents (OR = 2.46; 95 % CI[1.53, 3.95]), respondents whose healthcare provider recommended vaccination (OR = 2.50; 95 % CI[1.66, 3.77]), and as perceptions of vaccination coverage (OR = 2.04; 95 % CI[1.71, 2.43]) and subjective social status increased (OR = 1.10; 95 % CI[1.01, 1.19]). Adjusted odds of COVID-19 vaccination were greater among respondents with a workplace that recommended (OR = 1.96; 95 % CI[1.03, 3.72]) or required vaccination (OR = 12.62; 95 % CI[4.76, 33.45]) and among respondents who were not employed (OR = 1.82; 95 % CI[1.10, 3.01]) compared to those whose workplace did not recommend or require COVID-19 vaccination. CONCLUSIONS Some hesitant individuals become vaccinated despite their hesitancy-a group we refer to as "hesitant adopters." Social processes and practical issues are important correlates of vaccination among those who are hesitant. Workplace requirements appear to be of particular importance for vaccination among hesitant individuals. Provider recommendations, norms, social status, and workplace policies may be effective points of intervention among those who express vaccine hesitancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don E Willis
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 2708 S. 48(th) St., Springdale, AR 72762, USA.
| | - Sharon Reece
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72703, USA
| | - Morgan Gurel-Headley
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - James P Selig
- Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 2708 S. 48(th) St., Springdale, AR 72762, USA
| | - Ji Li
- Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 2708 S. 48(th) St., Springdale, AR 72762, USA
| | - Stacy Zimmerman
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Lawrence E Cornett
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Pearl A McElfish
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 2708 S. 48(th) St., Springdale, AR 72762, USA
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13
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Karlsson LC, Garrison A, Holford D, Fasce A, Lewandowsky S, Taubert F, Schmid P, Betsch C, Rodrigues F, Fressard L, Verger P, Soveri A. Healthcare professionals' attitudes to mandatory COVID-19 vaccination: Cross-sectional survey data from four European countries. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2256442. [PMID: 37724556 PMCID: PMC10512846 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2256442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Mandatory vaccinations are widely debated since they restrict individuals' autonomy in their health decisions. As healthcare professionals (HCPs) are a common target group of vaccine mandates, and also form a link between vaccination policies and the public, understanding their attitudes toward vaccine mandates is important. The present study investigated physicians' attitudes to COVID-19 vaccine mandates in four European countries: Finland, France, Germany, and Portugal. An electronic survey assessing attitudes to COVID-19 vaccine mandates and general vaccination attitudes (e.g. perceived vaccine safety, trust in health authorities, and openness to patients) was sent to physicians in the spring of 2022. A total of 2796 physicians responded. Across all countries, 78% of the physicians were in favor of COVID-19 vaccine mandates for HCPs, 49% favored COVID-19 vaccine mandates for the public, and 67% endorsed COVID-19 health passes. Notable differences were observed between countries, with attitudes to mandates found to be more positive in countries where the mandate, or similar mandates, were in effect. The associations between attitudes to mandates and general vaccination attitudes were mostly small to neglectable and differed between countries. Nevertheless, physicians with more positive mandate attitudes perceived vaccines as more beneficial (in Finland and France) and had greater trust in medical authorities (in France and Germany). The present study contributes to the body of research within social and behavioral sciences that support evidence-based vaccination policymaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda C. Karlsson
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Amanda Garrison
- Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Southeastern Health Regional Observatory (Observatoire Régional de la Santé, ORS-PACA), Marseille, France
| | - Dawn Holford
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Angelo Fasce
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Stephan Lewandowsky
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Frederike Taubert
- Institute for Planetary Health Behavior, Health Communication, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
- Health Communication Working Group, Implementation Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Schmid
- Institute for Planetary Health Behavior, Health Communication, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
- Health Communication Working Group, Implementation Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre for Language Studies, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelia Betsch
- Institute for Planetary Health Behavior, Health Communication, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
- Health Communication Working Group, Implementation Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Lisa Fressard
- Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Southeastern Health Regional Observatory (Observatoire Régional de la Santé, ORS-PACA), Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Verger
- Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Southeastern Health Regional Observatory (Observatoire Régional de la Santé, ORS-PACA), Marseille, France
| | - Anna Soveri
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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14
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Minardi V, Gallo R, Possenti V, Contoli B, Di Fonzo D, D'Andrea E, Masocco M. Influenza Vaccination Uptake and Prognostic Factors among Health Professionals in Italy: Results from the Nationwide Surveillance PASSI 2015-2018. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1223. [PMID: 37515039 PMCID: PMC10386716 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Influenza causes a significant health and socio-economic burden every year, and health personnel (HP) are at higher risk of exposure to respiratory pathogens than the general population. (2) The study's purpose was to describe and compare influenza vaccine uptake and its prognostic factors among Medical Doctors (MDs) and Non-Medical Health Personnel (NMHP) vs. Non-HP (NHP). We analyzed 2014-2018 data (n = 105,608) from the Italian Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System PASSI that, since 2008, has been collecting health-related information continuously in sampled adults. (3) MDs and NMHP represented, respectively, 1.1% and 4.6% of the sample. Among HP, 22.8% (CI 19.8-26.1%) of MDs and 8.5% (CI 7.5-9.5%) of NMHP reported to have been vaccinated vs. 6.3% (CI 6.1-6.5%) in NHP. This difference is confirmed in the three categories (MDs, NMHP, NHP), even more across age groups: in 18-34 yy, respectively, 9.9%, 4.4%, 3.4% vs. 28.4%, 13.9%, 10.6% in 50-64 yy. PASSI surveillance shows an increasing influenza vaccination uptake over time, especially among MDs (22.2% in 2014 vs. 30.5% in 2018). (4) Despite such an increase, especially among younger HP, influenza vaccination uptake is low. Even more under pandemic scenarios, these figures represent key information to address effective strategies for disease prevention and health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Minardi
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Rosaria Gallo
- Primary Healthcare Unit, Health District 9, Local Health Unit Roma 2, 00159 Rome, Italy
- PhD Course Advances in Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, Legal Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Possenti
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Contoli
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elvira D'Andrea
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Maria Masocco
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
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15
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Boyer J, König E, Friedl H, Pux C, Uhlmann M, Schippinger W, Krause R, Zollner-Schwetz I. Sustained Increase in Very Low Influenza Vaccination Coverage in Residents and Healthcare Workers of Long-Term Care Facilities in Austria after Educational Interventions. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1066. [PMID: 37376455 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are particularly at risk for influenza infections. We aimed to improve influenza vaccination coverage among residents and healthcare workers (HCWs) in four LTCFs by implementing educational programs and enhanced vaccination services. We compared vaccination coverage before and after the interventions (2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons). Data on vaccination adherence were recorded during a four-year observational period (2019/20 to 2022/23 seasons). Following the interventions, vaccination coverage increased significantly from 5.8% (22/377) to 19.1% (71/371) in residents and from 1.3% (3/234) to 19.7% (46/233) in HCWs (p < 0.001). During the observational period (2019/20 to 2022/23 seasons), vaccination coverage remained high in residents but decreased in HCWs. Vaccination adherence was significantly higher in residents and HCWs in LTCF 1 compared to the other three LTCFs. Our study suggests that a bundle of educational interventions and enhanced vaccination services can be an effective method for improving influenza vaccination coverage in LTCFs in both residents and HCWs. However, vaccination rates are still well below the recommended targets and further efforts are needed to increase vaccine coverage in our LTCFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Boyer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Elisabeth König
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Herwig Friedl
- Institute of Statistics, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Pux
- Geriatric Health Centers of the City of Graz, 8020 Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Uhlmann
- Geriatric Health Centers of the City of Graz, 8020 Graz, Austria
| | | | - Robert Krause
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Ines Zollner-Schwetz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
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16
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Sciurti A, Baccolini V, Renzi E, De Blasiis MR, Siena LM, Isonne C, Migliara G, Massimi A, De Vito C, Marzuillo C, Villari P. Attitudes of University Students towards Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policies: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Rome, Italy. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11040721. [PMID: 37112633 PMCID: PMC10141490 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mandatory vaccination (MV) against COVID-19 is a contentious topic. In this study, we used logistic regression models to identify attitudes among Sapienza University students towards MV for COVID-19. We considered three different scenarios: mandatory COVID-19 vaccination (MCV) for healthcare workers (HCWs) (Model 1), for all people aged ≥ 12 years (Model 2), and for admission to schools and universities (Model 3). We collected 5287 questionnaires over a six-month period and divided these into three groups (September-October 2021, November-December 2021, and January-February 2022). MCV for HCWs was the most strongly supported policy (69.8% in favour), followed by MCV for admission to schools and universities (58.3%), and MCV for the general population (54.6%). In a multivariable analysis, the models showed both similarities and differences. There was no association of socio-demographic characteristics with the outcomes, apart from being enrolled in non-healthcare courses, which negatively affected Models 2 and 3. A greater COVID-19 risk perception was generally associated with a more positive attitude towards MCV, although heterogeneously across models. Vaccination status was a predictor of being in favour of MCV for HCWs, whereas being surveyed in November-February 2022 favoured MCV for admission to schools and universities. Attitudes towards MCV were variable across policies; thus, to avoid unintended consequences, these aspects should be carefully considered by policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Sciurti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Baccolini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Renzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Roberta De Blasiis
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Maria Siena
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Isonne
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Migliara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Azzurra Massimi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Corrado De Vito
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Marzuillo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Villari
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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17
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Giubilini A, Savulescu J, Pugh J, Wilkinson D. Vaccine mandates for healthcare workers beyond COVID-19. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2023; 49:211-220. [PMID: 35636917 PMCID: PMC9985724 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2022-108229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
We provide ethical criteria to establish when vaccine mandates for healthcare workers are ethically justifiable. The relevant criteria are the utility of the vaccine for healthcare workers, the utility for patients (both in terms of prevention of transmission of infection and reduction in staff shortage), and the existence of less restrictive alternatives that can achieve comparable benefits. Healthcare workers have professional obligations to promote the interests of patients that entail exposure to greater risks or infringement of autonomy than ordinary members of the public. Thus, we argue that when vaccine mandates are justified on the basis of these criteria, they are not unfairly discriminatory and the level of coercion they involve is ethically acceptable-and indeed comparable to that already accepted in healthcare employment contracts. Such mandates might be justified even when general population mandates are not. Our conclusion is that, given current evidence, those ethical criteria justify mandates for influenza vaccination, but not COVID-19 vaccination, for healthcare workers. We extend our arguments to other vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Giubilini
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julian Savulescu
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan Pugh
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dominic Wilkinson
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Newborn Care, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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18
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Benedict Kpozehouen E, Arrudsivah B, Raina Macintyre C. Knowledge, attitudes and practices of health care workers in a cardiology department on influenza vaccination. Vaccine 2023; 41:2349-2356. [PMID: 36801083 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.01.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence has accrued that influenza vaccination may be effective in preventing myocardial infarction (MI). However, vaccination rates in both adults and health care workers (HCW) are low, and hospitalisation is often a missed opportunity for vaccination. We hypothesised that knowledge, attitude and practices of health care workers regarding vaccination impacts vaccine uptake in hospitals. The cardiac ward admits high-risk patients, many of whom are indicated for influenza vaccine, especially those caring for patients with acute MI. AIM To understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HCW in cardiology ward within a tertiary institution, on influenza vaccination. METHODS We used focus group discussions with HCW caring for AMI patients in an acute cardiology ward, to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HCW regarding influenza vaccination for patients under their care. Discussions were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed using NVivo software. In addition, participants completed a survey on their knowledge and attitudes towards the uptake of influenza vaccination. RESULTS A lack of awareness regarding the associations between influenza, vaccination and cardiovascular health was identified amongst HCW. Participants did not routinely discuss the benefits of influenza vaccination or recommend influenza vaccinations to patients under their care; this may be due to a combination of a lack of awareness, not seeing it as part of their job and workload issues. We also highlighted difficulties in access to vaccination, and concerns of adverse reactions to the vaccine. CONCLUSION There is limited awareness among HCW of the role of influenza on cardiovascular health and the benefits of influenza vaccine in the prevention of cardiovascular events. Improved vaccination of at-risk patients in hospital may need active engagement of HCW. Improving the health literacy of HCW regarding the benefits of vaccination as a preventative strategy may result in better health care outcomes for cardiac patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - C Raina Macintyre
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Australia
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19
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Wagner AL, Moniz MH, Stout MJ, Townsel C, Hawley ST, Zikmund-Fisher BJ. Experiences, risk perceptions, and COVID-19 vaccination outcomes among hospital workers. Vaccine 2023; 41:1247-1253. [PMID: 36639271 PMCID: PMC9826991 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although COVID-19 vaccinations have been available to hospital workers in the U.S. since December 2020, coverage is far from universal, even in groups with patient contact. The aim of this study was to describe COVID-19-related experiences at work and in the personal lives of nurses, allied health workers, and non-clinical staff with patient contact, and to assess whether these experiences relate to COVID-19 vaccination. METHODS Health care workers at a large Midwestern hospital in the U.S. were contacted to participate in an online cross-sectional survey during February 2021. A logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) for vaccination by different experiences, and we assessed mediation through models that also included measures of risk perceptions. RESULTS Among 366 nurse practitioners / nurse midwives / physician assistant, 1,698 nurses, 1,798 allied health professionals, and 1,307 non-clinical staff with patient contact, the proportions who had received or intended to receive a COVID-19 vaccination were 94 %, 87 %, 82 %, and 88 %, respectively. Working and being physically close to COVID-19 patients was not significantly associated with vaccine intent. Vaccination intent was significantly lower among those with a previous COVID-19 diagnosis vs not (OR = 0.33, 95 % CI: 0.27, 0.40) and higher for those who knew close family members of friends hospitalized or died of COVID-19 (OR = 1.33, 95 % CI: 1.10, 1.60). CONCLUSION Even when COVID-19 vaccination was available in February 2021, a substantial minority of hospital workers with patient contact did not intend to be vaccinated. Moreover, their experiences working close to COVID-19 patients were not significantly related to vaccination intent. Instead, personal experiences with family members and friends were associated with vaccination intent through changes in risk perceptions. Interventions to increase uptake among hospital workers should emphasize protection of close family members or friends and the severity of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abram L Wagner
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Michelle H Moniz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Program on Women's Healthcare Effectiveness Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Molly J Stout
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Courtney Townsel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sarah T Hawley
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ann Arbor VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brian J Zikmund-Fisher
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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20
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Pavlovic D, Sahoo P, Larson HJ, Karafillakis E. Factors influencing healthcare professionals' confidence in vaccination in Europe: a literature review. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2041360. [PMID: 35290160 PMCID: PMC9009961 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2041360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Health-care professionals (HCPs) have a fundamental role in vaccination, their own beliefs and attitudes affecting both their uptake and recommendation of vaccines. This literature review (n = 89) summarises evidence on HCPs’ perceptions of the risks and benefits of vaccination, trust, and perceptions of mandatory vaccination in Europe. HCPs across studies believed that vaccination is important to protect themselves and their patients. However, beliefs that some diseases such as influenza are less risky were reported by some HCPs as a reason for not getting vaccinated. Concerns about both short- and long-term side effects were identified among HCPs in most studies, such as those affecting the immune or neurological system. Mistrust toward health authorities and pharmaceutical industry was reported in some studies. The question of mandatory vaccination revealed mixed opinions, with some favoring self-determination and others viewing vaccination as a duty. This review highlights key factors influencing HCPs’ confidence in vaccination in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Pavlovic
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - P Sahoo
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - H J Larson
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - E Karafillakis
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Zagreb, Croatia
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21
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Mantina NM, Block Ngaybe M, Johnson K, Velickovic S, Magrath P, Gerald LB, Krupp K, Krauss B, Perez-Velez CM, Madhivanan P. Racial/ethnic disparities in influenza risk perception and vaccination intention among Pima County residents in Arizona. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2154506. [PMID: 36476311 PMCID: PMC9762835 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2154506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
While influenza cases in Arizona have nearly tripled since 2018, vaccination rates continue to lag. Statewide, Hispanics and African Americans had the lowest vaccination rates despite having higher influenza infection rates than Whites. Given Arizona's racial influenza vaccination disparity and the general increase in vaccination hesitancy due to COVID-19, the purpose of this study was to better understand the influences of seasonal influenza vaccination in Arizona during the COVID-19 pandemic using qualitative methods. Findings from this study revealed that many participants were motivated to get the influenza vaccine to protect their family and close friends. The heightened concern for COVID-19 prompted some Hispanic/Latino focus group discussion participants to consider getting vaccinated. However, many Hispanic/Latino participants also expressed that they stopped getting influenza vaccine due to negative vaccination experiences or concern about sickness following immunization. African American participants primarily discussed receiving the vaccine as part of their routine health visit. Compared to other races, more White participants believed that vaccination was unimportant because they were healthy, and the people they interacted with never got sick. Distinct factors influence risk perception and vaccination intention across different racial/ethnic groups. Effective interventions can account for these factors and be tailored to the target population to maximize vaccination uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namoonga M. Mantina
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA,CONTACT Namoonga M. Mantina Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N Martin Avenue, Tucson, AZ85724-5209, USA
| | - Maiya Block Ngaybe
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Kerry Johnson
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Sonja Velickovic
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Priscilla Magrath
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Lynn B. Gerald
- Office of the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Karl Krupp
- Division of Public Health Practice and Translational Research, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Beatrice Krauss
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Carlos M. Perez-Velez
- Division of Epidemiology, Pima County Health Department, Tucson, AZ, USA,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Purnima Madhivanan
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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22
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Bianchi FP, Stefanizzi P, Diella G, Martinelli A, Di Lorenzo A, Gallone MS, Tafuri S. Prevalence and management of rubella susceptibility in healthcare workers in Italy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vaccine X 2022; 12:100195. [PMID: 36032697 PMCID: PMC9399279 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2022.100195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In the pre-vaccination era, all adults acquired immunity status due to natural infections during childhood and adolescence, whereas universal mass vaccination has changed the seroepidemiology of rubella among adults, showing lack of immunity in some subgroups. National and international guidelines recommend evaluating all healthcare workers (HCWs) for their immune status to rubella and possibly vaccinating those who are seronegative. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the susceptibility rate to rubella among HCWs in Italy and to explore possible options for the management of those found to be susceptible. Methods Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis, selected from scientific papers available in the MEDLINE/PubMed and Google Scholar (till page 10) databases between January 1, 2015 and November 30, 2021. The following terms were used for the search strategy: (sero* OR seroprevalence OR prevalence OR susceptibilit* OR immunit* OR immunogenict*) AND (healthcare worker* OR health personnel OR physician* OR nurse OR student*) AND (rubella OR german measles OR TORCH) AND (Italy) Results The prevalence of rubella-susceptible HCWs was 9.0 % (95 %CI: 6.4–12.1 %). In a comparison of female vs. male serosusceptible HCWs, the RR was 0.67 (95 %CI = 0.51–0.88). Occupational medicine examinations for rubella screening with possible subsequent vaccination of seronegatives and exclusion of susceptible HCWs from high-risk settings were common management strategies. Conclusions HCWs susceptible to rubella are an important epidemiological concern in Italy, and efforts to identify and actively offer the vaccine to this population should be increased.
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23
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Casey SM, Burrowes SAB, Hall T, Dobbins S, Ma M, Bano R, Yarrington C, Schechter-Perkins EM, Garofalo C, Drainoni ML, Perkins RB, Pierre-Joseph N. Healthcare workers' attitudes on mandates, incentives, and strategies to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake: A mixed methods study. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2144048. [PMID: 36411988 PMCID: PMC9746602 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2144048] [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] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare workers are a trusted health information source and are uniquely positioned to reduce the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this sequential exploratory mixed methods study was to understand attitudes of healthcare workers working in Massachusetts during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding strategies to improve COVID-19 vaccine utilization, including vaccine mandates and incentives. Fifty-two individuals completed one-on-one interviews between April 22nd and September 7th, 2021. The survey was developed based on findings from the interviews; 209 individuals completed the online survey between February 17th and March 23rd, 2022. Both the interview and survey asked about attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccine and booster mandates, incentives, and strategies to improve vaccination rates. Most participants were female (79%-interview, 81%-survey), Caucasian (56%, 73%), and worked as physicians (37%, 34%) or nurses (10%, 18%). Overall, nuanced attitudes regarding vaccine and booster mandates were expressed; many supported mandates to protect their patients' health, others emphasized personal autonomy, while some were against mandates if job termination was the consequence of declining vaccines. Similarly, views regarding vaccine incentives differed; some considered incentives helpful, yet many viewed them as coercive. Strategies believed to be most effective to encourage vaccination included improving accessibility to vaccination sites, addressing misinformation, discussing vaccine safety, tailored community outreach via trusted messengers, and one-on-one conversations between patients and healthcare workers. Healthcare workers' experiences with strategies to improve utilization of COVID-19 vaccines and boosters have implications for public health policies. Generally, efforts to improve access and education were viewed more favorably than incentives and mandates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon M. Casey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shana A. B. Burrowes
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Taylor Hall
- Graduate of Medical Sciences, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sidney Dobbins
- Epidemiology and Statistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mengyu Ma
- Epidemiology and Statistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ruqiyya Bano
- Epidemiology and Statistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christina Yarrington
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elissa M. Schechter-Perkins
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher Garofalo
- Department of Family Medicine and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Attleboro, Massachusetts, USA
- Family Medicine Associates of South Attleboro, South Attleboro, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Health Law Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rebecca B. Perkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Natalie Pierre-Joseph
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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24
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Vora A, Di Pasquale A, Kolhapure S, Agrawal A, Agrawal S. The need for vaccination in adults with chronic (noncommunicable) diseases in India - lessons from around the world. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2052544. [PMID: 35416747 PMCID: PMC9225226 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2052544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, chronic diseases (noncommunicable diseases [NCDs]) cause 41 million (71%) deaths annually. They are the leading cause of mortality in India, contributing to 60% of total deaths each year. Individuals with these diseases are more susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) and have an increased risk of associated disease severity and complications. This poses a substantial burden on healthcare systems and economies, exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines are an effective strategy to combat these challenges; however, utilization rates are inadequate. With India running one of the world’s largest COVID-19 vaccination programs, this presents an opportunity to improve vaccination coverage for all VPDs. Here we discuss the burden of VPDs in those with NCDs, the benefit of vaccinations, current challenges and possible strategies that may facilitate implementation and accessibility of vaccination programs. Effective vaccination will have a significant impact on the disease burden of both VPDs and NCDs and beyond.
What is already known on this topic?
Annually, chronic or noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) cause >40 million deaths worldwide and 60% of all deaths in India Adults with these diseases are more susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs); however, vaccine utilization is inadequate in this population
What is added by this report?
We highlight the benefits of vaccination in adults with NCDs that extend beyond disease prevention We discuss key challenges in implementing adult vaccination programs and provide practical solutions
What are the implications for public health practice?
Raising awareness about the benefits of vaccinations, particularly for those with NCDs, and providing national guidelines with recommendations from medical societies, will increase vaccine acceptance Adequate vaccine acceptance will reduce the VPD burden in this vulnerable population
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Affiliation(s)
- Agam Vora
- Department of Chest & TB, Dr. R. N. Cooper Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai, India
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25
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Veli N, Martin CA, Woolf K, Nazareth J, Pan D, Al-Oraibi A, Baggaley RF, Bryant L, Nellums LB, Gray LJ, Khunti K, Pareek M. Hesitancy for receiving regular SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in UK healthcare workers: a cross-sectional analysis from the UK-REACH study. BMC Med 2022; 20:386. [PMID: 36210437 PMCID: PMC9548389 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02588-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 may be needed to maintain immunity in 'at-risk' populations, which include healthcare workers (HCWs). However, little is known about the proportion of HCWs who might be hesitant about receiving a hypothetical regular SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or the factors associated with this hesitancy. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis of questionnaire data collected as part of UK-REACH, a nationwide, longitudinal cohort study of HCWs. The outcome measure was binary, either a participant indicated they would definitely accept regular SARS-CoV-2 vaccination if recommended or they indicated some degree of hesitancy regarding acceptance (probably accept or less likely). We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with hesitancy for receiving regular vaccination. RESULTS A total of 5454 HCWs were included in the analysed cohort, 23.5% of whom were hesitant about regular SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Black HCWs were more likely to be hesitant than White HCWs (aOR 2.60, 95%CI 1.80-3.72) as were those who reported a previous episode of COVID-19 (1.33, 1.13-1.57 [vs those who tested negative]). Those who received influenza vaccination in the previous two seasons were over five times less likely to report hesitancy for regular SARS-CoV-2 vaccination than those not vaccinated against influenza in either season (0.18, 0.14-0.21). HCWs who trusted official sources of vaccine information (such as NHS or government adverts or websites) were less likely to report hesitancy for a regular vaccination programme. Those who had been exposed to information advocating against vaccination from friends and family were more likely to be hesitant. CONCLUSIONS In this study, nearly a quarter of UK HCWs were hesitant about receiving a regular SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. We have identified key factors associated with hesitancy for regular SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, which can be used to identify groups of HCWs at the highest risk of vaccine hesitancy and tailor interventions accordingly. Family and friends of HCWs may influence decisions about regular vaccination. This implies that working with HCWs and their social networks to allay concerns about SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could improve uptake in a regular vaccination programme. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN11811602.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neyme Veli
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Infection and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Christopher A Martin
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Infection and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Joshua Nazareth
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Infection and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Daniel Pan
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Infection and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Amani Al-Oraibi
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Rebecca F Baggaley
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Luke Bryant
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Laura B Nellums
- Population and Lifespan Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Laura J Gray
- Biostatistics Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Kamlesh Khunti
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Manish Pareek
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
- Department of Infection and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.
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26
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Schwalbe N, Hanbali L, Nunes MC, Lehtimaki S. Use of financial incentives to increase adult vaccination coverage: A narrative review of lessons learned from COVID-19 and other adult vaccination efforts. Vaccine X 2022; 12:100225. [PMID: 36217357 PMCID: PMC9535879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2022.100225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
To encourage COVID-19 vaccination, governments have offered a wide range of incentives to their populations ranging from cash to cows. Often these programs were rolled out at scale before assessing potential effectiveness. To inform future policy, we conducted a narrative review to understand the evidence base informing these programs and the extent to which they are effective. While we found evidence on cash transfers increasing both the coverage and intention to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and other adult vaccines, improvements in coverage were limited. With mixed evidence, lottery programs did not appear to have a consistent meaningful impact on vaccination for COVID-19, and no evidence was identified on the positive effects of other non-cash incentives for COVID-19 or other adult vaccines. We conclude that the impact of cash transfers in incentivizing adult vaccination is marginal and their effectiveness in addressing vaccine hesitancy remains inconclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Schwalbe
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,Spark Street Advisors, New York, NY, United States,Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States,Corresponding author at: 722 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | | | - Marta C. Nunes
- Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, South African Research Chair Initiative in Vaccine Preventable Diseases; and South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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27
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Wu D, Jin C, Bessame K, Tang FFY, Ong JJ, Wang Z, Xie Y, Jit M, Larson HJ, Chantler T, Lin L, Gong W, Yang F, Jing F, Wei S, Cheng W, Zhou Y, Ren N, Qiu S, Bao J, Wen L, Yang Q, Tian J, Tang W, Tucker JD. Effectiveness of a pay-it-forward intervention compared with user-paid vaccination to improve influenza vaccine uptake and community engagement among children and older adults in China: a quasi-experimental pragmatic trial. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:1484-1492. [PMID: 35868342 PMCID: PMC9492551 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00346-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND China has low seasonal influenza vaccination rates among priority populations. In this study, we aimed to evaluate a pay-it-forward strategy to increase influenza vaccine uptake in rural, suburban, and urban settings in China. METHODS We performed a quasi-experimental pragmatic trial to examine the effectiveness of a pay-it-forward intervention (a free influenza vaccine and an opportunity to donate financially to support vaccination of other individuals) to increase influenza vaccine uptake compared with standard-of-care user-paid vaccination among children (aged between 6 months and 8 years) and older people (≥60 years) in China. Recruitment took place in the standard-of-care group until the expected sample size was reached and then in the pay-it-forward group in primary care clinics from a rural site (Yangshan), a suburban site (Zengcheng), and an urban site (Tianhe). Participants were introduced to the influenza vaccine by project staff using a pamphlet about influenza vaccination and were either asked to pay out-of-pocket at the standard market price (US$8·5-23·2; standard-of-care group) or to donate any amount anonymously (pay-it-forward group). Participants had to be eligible to receive an influenza vaccine and to have not received an influenza vaccine in the past year. The primary outcome was vaccine uptake. Secondary outcomes were vaccine confidence and costs (from the health-care provider perspective). Regression methods compared influenza vaccine uptake and vaccine confidence between the two groups. This trial is registered with ChiCTR, ChiCTR2000040048. FINDINGS From Sept 21, 2020, to March 3, 2021, 300 enrolees were recruited from patients visiting three primary care clinics. 55 (37%) of 150 people in the standard-of-care group (40 [53%] of 75 children and 15 [20%] of 75 older adults) and 111 (74%) of 150 in the pay-it-forward group (66 [88%] of 75 children and 45 [60%] of 75 older adults) received an influenza vaccine. People in the pay-it-forward group were more likely to receive an influenza vaccine compared with those in the standard-of-care group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6·7 [95% CI 2·7-16·6] among children and 5·0 [2·3-10·8] among older adults). People in the pay-it-forward group had greater confidence in vaccine safety (aOR 2·2 [95% CI 1·2-3·9]), importance (3·1 [1·6-5·9]), and effectiveness (3·1 [1·7-5·7]). In the pay-it-forward group, 107 (96%) of 111 participants donated money for subsequent vaccinations. The pay-it-forward group had a lower economic cost (calculated as the cost without subtraction of donations) per person vaccinated (US$45·60) than did the standard-of-care group ($64·67). INTERPRETATION The pay-it-forward intervention seemed to be effective in improving influenza vaccine uptake and community engagement. Our data have implications for prosocial interventions to enhance influenza vaccine uptake in countries where influenza vaccines are available for a fee. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the UK National Institute for Health Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wu
- West China School of Public Health, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Chapel Hill Project-China, University of North Carolina, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Chenqi Jin
- Chapel Hill Project-China, University of North Carolina, Guangzhou, China; Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Khaoula Bessame
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Fanny Fong-Yi Tang
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jason J Ong
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Faculty of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Zaisheng Wang
- Chapel Hill Project-China, University of North Carolina, Guangzhou, China; School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Yewei Xie
- Chapel Hill Project-China, University of North Carolina, Guangzhou, China; Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mark Jit
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Heidi J Larson
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tracey Chantler
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Leesa Lin
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Wenfeng Gong
- Beijing Representative Office, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fengshi Jing
- Chapel Hill Project-China, University of North Carolina, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Secondary Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shufang Wei
- Chapel Hill Project-China, University of North Carolina, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weibin Cheng
- Guangdong Secondary Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Zhuhai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China; Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Nina Ren
- Guangdong Secondary Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuhao Qiu
- Vaccination Clinic, Yangshan Health Centre, Qingyuan, China
| | - Jianmin Bao
- Fenghuang Community Health Service Centre, Zengcheng, China
| | - Liufen Wen
- Xinhua Community Health Service Centre, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinlu Yang
- Community Health Centre, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junzhang Tian
- Guangdong Secondary Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiming Tang
- Chapel Hill Project-China, University of North Carolina, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Secondary Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China; Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Chapel Hill Project-China, University of North Carolina, Guangzhou, China; Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Sallam M, Ghazy RM, Al-Salahat K, Al-Mahzoum K, AlHadidi NM, Eid H, Kareem N, Al-Ajlouni E, Batarseh R, Ababneh NA, Sallam M, Alsanafi M, Umakanthan S, Al-Tammemi AB, Bakri FG, Harapan H, Mahafzah A, Al Awaidy ST. The Role of Psychological Factors and Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs in Influenza Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake among Jordanian Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1355. [PMID: 36016243 PMCID: PMC9413675 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination to prevent influenza virus infection and to lessen its severity is recommended among healthcare workers (HCWs). Health professionals have a higher risk of exposure to viruses and could transmit the influenza virus to vulnerable patients who are prone to severe disease and mortality. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the levels of influenza vaccine acceptance and uptake as well as its determinants, among Jordanian HCWs over the last influenza season of 2021/2022. This study was based on a self-administered electronic survey that was distributed in March 2022. Psychological determinants of influenza vaccine acceptance and vaccine conspiracy beliefs were assessed using the previously validated 5C scale questionnaire (confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation and collective responsibility) and the vaccine conspiracy beliefs scale. The study sample comprised a total of 1218 HCWs: nurses (n = 412, 33.8%), physicians (n = 367, 30.1%), medical technicians (n = 182, 14.9%), pharmacists (n = 161, 13.2%) and dentists (n = 87, 7.1%), among others. About two-thirds of the study sample expressed willingness to receive influenza vaccination if provided free of charge (n = 807, 66.3%), whereas less than one-third were willing to pay for the vaccine (n = 388, 31.9%). The self-reported uptake of the influenza vaccine in the last influenza season was 62.8%. The following factors were significantly associated with higher acceptance of influenza vaccination if provided freely, as opposed to vaccine hesitancy/rejection: male sex; physicians and dentists among HCW categories; higher confidence and collective responsibility; and lower complacency, constraints and calculation. Higher influenza vaccine uptake was significantly correlated with nurses and physicians among HCW categories, older age, a higher monthly income, higher confidence and collective responsibility, lower complacency and constraints and lower embrace of general vaccine conspiracy beliefs. The results of the current study can provide helpful clues to improve influenza vaccine coverage among HCWs in Jordan. Consequently, this can help to protect vulnerable patient groups and reserve valuable resources in healthcare settings. Psychological determinants appeared to be the most significant factors for vaccine acceptance and uptake, whereas the embrace of general vaccine conspiracy beliefs was associated with lower rates of influenza vaccine uptake, which should be considered in educational and interventional measures aiming to promote influenza vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 22184 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Ramy Mohamed Ghazy
- Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Khaled Al-Salahat
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Kholoud Al-Mahzoum
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Nadin Mohammad AlHadidi
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Huda Eid
- School of Dentistry, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Nariman Kareem
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Eyad Al-Ajlouni
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Rawan Batarseh
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Nidaa A. Ababneh
- Cell Therapy Center (CTC), The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Mohammed Sallam
- Department of Pharmacy, Mediclinic Welcare Hospital, Mediclinic Middle East, Dubai P.O. Box 31500, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mariam Alsanafi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City 25210, Kuwait
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, College of Health Sciences, Safat 13092, Kuwait
| | - Srikanth Umakanthan
- Department of Para-Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine BB11000, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Ala’a B. Al-Tammemi
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration (IOM), The UN Migration Agency, Amman 11953, Jordan
| | - Faris G. Bakri
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Center, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Harapan Harapan
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
- Tropical Disease Centre, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
| | - Azmi Mahafzah
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Salah T. Al Awaidy
- Office of Health Affairs, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 393, Muscat 100, Oman
- Middle East, Eurasia and Africa Influenza Stakeholders Network (ME’NA-ISN), Cape Town 7766, South Africa
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Garcia L, Firek A, Freund D, Massai D, Khurana D, Lee JE, Zamarripa S, Sasaninia B, Michaels K, Nightingale J, Gatto NM. Decisions to Choose COVID-19 Vaccination by Health Care Workers in a Southern California Safety Net Medical Center Vary by Sociodemographic Factors. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1247. [PMID: 36016135 PMCID: PMC9412623 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited information exists regarding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers (HCWs). Our previous survey analyzed the reasons for HCWs' decisions to accept vaccination, suggesting that a "one-size fits all" approach may not suffice to increase vaccine uptake. METHODS Based on the vaccination acceptance group (acceptor, hesitant, refuser), we examined differences by sociodemographic factors (race/ethnicity, household income, education) from Likert Scale responses to fourteen influences affecting a decision to be vaccinated using the Kruskal-Wallis test and multinomial logistic regression with mutual adjustment for these sociodemographic factors, age, and sex. RESULTS Non-Hispanic White vaccine acceptors ranked lower confidence in preventing, withstanding, or treating COVID-19, while Non-Hispanic Blacks more highly regarded the motivation of a religious leader, colleague, or family member. Social media was ranked more influential among Non-Hispanic Asians. Acceptors with lower incomes ranked a job requirement influential; conversely, higher income vaccine hesitant HCWs highly rated this reason. More highly educated acceptors ranked being motivated by colleagues, family, and other HCWs higher. Adjustment weakened some but not all the differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS Sociodemographic factors affect HCWs' decisions to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Our findings may help develop more focused and tailored strategies to improve vaccination acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Garcia
- School of Community and Global Health, Claremont Graduate University, 150 E 10th St, Claremont, CA 91711, USA; (L.G.); (D.F.); (D.M.)
| | - Anthony Firek
- Comparative Effectiveness and Clinical Outcomes Research Center, Riverside University Health System, 26520 Cactus Avenue, Moreno Valley, CA 92555, USA; (A.F.); (D.K.); (S.Z.); (B.S.); (K.M.); (J.N.)
| | - Deborah Freund
- School of Community and Global Health, Claremont Graduate University, 150 E 10th St, Claremont, CA 91711, USA; (L.G.); (D.F.); (D.M.)
- Department of Economic Sciences, Claremont Graduate University, 150 E 10th St, Claremont, CA 91711, USA;
| | - Donatella Massai
- School of Community and Global Health, Claremont Graduate University, 150 E 10th St, Claremont, CA 91711, USA; (L.G.); (D.F.); (D.M.)
| | - Dhruv Khurana
- Comparative Effectiveness and Clinical Outcomes Research Center, Riverside University Health System, 26520 Cactus Avenue, Moreno Valley, CA 92555, USA; (A.F.); (D.K.); (S.Z.); (B.S.); (K.M.); (J.N.)
- Division of Addiction Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jerusha E. Lee
- Department of Economic Sciences, Claremont Graduate University, 150 E 10th St, Claremont, CA 91711, USA;
| | - Susanna Zamarripa
- Comparative Effectiveness and Clinical Outcomes Research Center, Riverside University Health System, 26520 Cactus Avenue, Moreno Valley, CA 92555, USA; (A.F.); (D.K.); (S.Z.); (B.S.); (K.M.); (J.N.)
| | - Bijan Sasaninia
- Comparative Effectiveness and Clinical Outcomes Research Center, Riverside University Health System, 26520 Cactus Avenue, Moreno Valley, CA 92555, USA; (A.F.); (D.K.); (S.Z.); (B.S.); (K.M.); (J.N.)
| | - Kelsey Michaels
- Comparative Effectiveness and Clinical Outcomes Research Center, Riverside University Health System, 26520 Cactus Avenue, Moreno Valley, CA 92555, USA; (A.F.); (D.K.); (S.Z.); (B.S.); (K.M.); (J.N.)
| | - Judi Nightingale
- Comparative Effectiveness and Clinical Outcomes Research Center, Riverside University Health System, 26520 Cactus Avenue, Moreno Valley, CA 92555, USA; (A.F.); (D.K.); (S.Z.); (B.S.); (K.M.); (J.N.)
| | - Nicole M. Gatto
- Comparative Effectiveness and Clinical Outcomes Research Center, Riverside University Health System, 26520 Cactus Avenue, Moreno Valley, CA 92555, USA; (A.F.); (D.K.); (S.Z.); (B.S.); (K.M.); (J.N.)
- School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, 24951 Circle Dr, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1975 Zonal Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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Peters MD. Addressing vaccine hesitancy and resistance for COVID-19 vaccines. Int J Nurs Stud 2022; 131:104241. [PMID: 35489108 PMCID: PMC8972969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2022.104241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout has had various degrees of success in different countries. Achieving high levels of vaccine coverage is key to responding to and mitigating the impact of the pandemic on health and aged care systems and the community. In many countries, vaccine hesitancy, resistance, and refusal are emerging as significant barriers to immunisation uptake and the relaxation of policies that limit everyday life. Vaccine hesitancy/ resistance/ refusal is complex and multi-faceted. Individuals and groups have diverse and often multiple reasons for delaying or refusing vaccination. These reasons include: social determinants of health, convenience, ease of availability and access, health literacy understandability and clarity of information, judgements around risk versus benefit, notions of collective versus individual responsibility, trust or mistrust of authority or healthcare, and personal or group beliefs, customs, or ideologies. Published evidence suggests that targeting and adapting interventions to particular population groups, contexts, and specific reasons for vaccine hesitancy/ resistance may enhance the effectiveness of interventions. While evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions to address vaccine hesitancy and improve uptake is limited and generally unable to underpin any specific strategy, multi-pronged interventions are promising. In many settings, mandating vaccination, particularly for those working in health or high risk/ transmission industries, has been implemented or debated by Governments, decision-makers, and health authorities. While mandatory vaccination is effective for seasonal influenza uptake amongst healthcare workers, this evidence may not be appropriately transferred to the context of COVID-19. Financial or other incentives for addressing vaccine hesitancy may have limited effectiveness with much evidence for benefit appearing to have been translated across from other public/preventive health issues such as smoking cessation. Multicomponent, dialogue-based (i.e., communication) interventions are effective in addressing vaccine hesitancy/resistance. Multicomponent interventions that encompasses the following might be effective: (i) targeting specific groups such as unvaccinated/under-vaccinated groups or healthcare workers, (ii) increasing vaccine knowledge and awareness, (iii) enhanced access and convenience of vaccination, (iv) mandating vaccination or implementing sanctions against non-vaccination, (v) engaging religious and community leaders, (vi) embedding new vaccine knowledge and evidence in routine health practices and procedures, and (vii) addressing mistrust and improving trust in healthcare providers and institutions via genuine engagement and dialogue. It is universally important that healthcare professionals and representative groups, as often highly trusted sources of health guidance, should be closely involved in policymaker and health authority decisions regarding the establishment and implementation of vaccine recommendations and interventions to address vaccine hesitancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micah D.J. Peters
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, City East Campus
- Centenary Building P4-32 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide Nursing School, Adelaide, SA, Australia,The Centre for Evidence-based Practice South Australia (CEPSA): A Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence, Australia,Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Federal Office, Australia,Correspondence to: University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, City East Campus
- Centenary Building P4-32 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination: What Happens to the Flu Shot When the Campaigns Overlap? Experience from a Large Italian Research Hospital. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10060976. [PMID: 35746583 PMCID: PMC9228127 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10060976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza represents a threat to global health and health care workers (HCWs) have an increased risk of contracting the influenza virus in the workplace. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought back the importance of influenza vaccination, as the influenza virus can circulate together with SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this report is to describe the actual flu vaccination coverage among healthcare workers of a research hospital and the trend changes, with respect to the past flu vaccination campaigns, in light of the present pandemic and COVID-19 vaccination. A Pearson’s χ2 test was used to test the correlation of flu vaccination coverage, across all professional categories, between the last two years. A linear regression model was adopted to predict the total vaccination coverage of this year. A statistically significant decrease (p < 0.01) was observed in vaccination coverage among all the professional categories with a 50% reduction in vaccination trends between the last two years. Analyzing the data from the previous six flu vaccination campaigns, the expected value, according to the linear regression model, was estimated to be 38.5% while the observed value was 24%. The decrease in vaccination coverage may be due to the fear of the pandemic situation and especially to the uncertainty related to the consequences of a concurrent administration which may overload the immune system or may be more reactogenic. The COVID-19 pandemic represents an opportunity to promote and support large-scale influenza vaccination among HCWs through structured programs, adequate funding, and tailored communication strategies.
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Oygar PD, Büyükçam A, Sahbudak Bal Z, Dalgıç N, Bozdemir ŞE, Karbuz A, Çetin BŞ, Kara Y, Çetin C, Hatipoğlu N, Uygun H, Aygün FD, Hançerli Törün S, Şener Okur D, Yılmaz Çiftdoğan D, Tural Kara T, Yahşi A, Özer A, Öcal Demir S, Akkoç G, Turan C, Salı E, Şen S, Erdeniz EH, Kara SS, Emiroğlu M, Erat T, Aktürk H, Laçinel Gürlevik S, Sütçü M, Gayretli Aydın ZG, Yıldız Atikan B, Yeşil E, Güner Özenen G, Çelebi E, Efe K, Kizmaz Isancli D, Selver Durmuş H, Tekeli S, Karaaslan A, Bülbül L, Almış H, Kaba Ö, Ekemen Keleş Y, Yazıcıoğlu B, Bahtiyar Oğuz S, Ovalı HF, Doğan HH, Çelebi S, Çakir D, Karasulu B, Alkan G, Yenidoğan İ, Gül D, Parıltan Kücükalioğlu B, Avcu G, Kukul MG, Bilen M, Yaşar B, Üstün T, Kılıç Ö, Akın Y, Oral Cebeci S, Bucak İH, Sarı Yanartaş M, Şahin A, Arslanoglu S, Elevli M, Çoban R, Tuter Öz SK, Hatipoğlu H, Erkum İT, Turgut M, Demirbuğa A, Özçelik T, Çiftçi D, Sarı EE, Akkuş G, Hatipoğlu SS, Dinleyici EC, Hacimustafaoğlu M, Özkınay F, Kurugöl Z, Cengiz AB, Somer A, Tezer H, Kara A. Evaluation of vaccination status of health care workers for recommended vaccines and their acceptance of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2044707. [PMID: 35714279 PMCID: PMC9248937 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2044707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Health care workers (HCWs) are disproportionately exposed to infectious diseases and play a role in nosocomial transmission, making them a key demographic for vaccination. HCW vaccination rates are not optimal in many countries; hence, compulsory vaccination policies have been implemented in some countries. Although these policies are effective and necessary under certain conditions, resolving HCWs’ hesitancies and misconceptions about vaccines is crucial. HCWs have the advantage of direct contact with patients; hence, they can respond to safety concerns, explain the benefits of vaccination, and counter antivaccine campaigns that escalate during pandemics, as has been observed with COVID-19. Method A short survey was carried out in May–June 2020 on the vaccination status of HCWs working with pediatric patients with COVID-19. The survey inquired about their vaccination status (mumps/measles/rubella [MMR], varicella, influenza, and diphtheria/tetanus [dT]) and willingness to receive hypothetical future COVID-19 vaccines. The respondents were grouped according to gender, age, occupation, and region. Results In total, 4927 HCWs responded to the survey. Most were young, healthy adults. The overall vaccination rates were 57.8% for dT in the past 10 years, 44.5% for MMR, 33.2% for varicella, and 13.5% for influenza. Vaccination rates were the highest among physicians. The majority of HCWs (81%) stated that they would be willing to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Conclusion Although vaccination rates for well-established vaccines were low, a majority of HCWs were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccines when available. Education and administrative trust should be enhanced to increase vaccination rates among HCWs.
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Peterson CJ, Lee B, Nugent K. COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy among Healthcare Workers-A Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:948. [PMID: 35746556 PMCID: PMC9227837 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10060948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated vaccine have highlighted vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers (HCWs). Vaccine hesitancy among this group existed prior to the pandemic and particularly centered around influenza vaccination. Being a physician, having more advanced education, and previous vaccination habits are frequently associated with vaccine acceptance. The relationship between age and caring for patients on COVID-19 vaccination is unclear, with studies providing opposing results. Reasons for hesitancy include concerns about safety and efficacy, mistrust of government and institutions, waiting for more data, and feeling that personal rights are being infringed upon. Many of these reasons reflect previous attitudes about influenza vaccination as well as political beliefs and views of personal autonomy. Finally, several interventions to encourage vaccination have been studied, including education programs and non-monetary incentives with the most effective studies using a combination of methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Peterson
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th St., Lubbock, TX 79430, USA;
| | - Benjamin Lee
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th St., Lubbock, TX 79430, USA;
- College of Engineering, Texas Tech University, 2500 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Kenneth Nugent
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th St., Lubbock, TX 79430, USA;
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Marinos G, Lamprinos D, Georgakopoulos P, Oikonomou E, Zoumpoulis G, Siasos G, Schizas D, Damaskos C, Garmpis N, Garmpi A, Patoulis G, Patsourakos F, Datseris I, Tsoukalos E, Anyfantis ID, Papagiannis D, Symvoulakis EK, Rachiotis G. Increased Influenza Vaccination Coverage among Members of the Athens Medical Association Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:797. [PMID: 35632553 PMCID: PMC9148125 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Healthcare workers are at high risk of influenza virus infection as well as of transmitting the infection to vulnerable patients who may be at high risk of severe illness. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the prevalence and related factors of influenza vaccination coverage (2020-2021flu season), among members of the Athens Medical Association in Greece. This survey employed secondary analysis data from a questionnaire-based dataset on COVID-19 vaccination coverage and associated factors from surveyed doctors, registered within the largest medical association in Greece. All members were invited to participate in the anonymous online questionnaire-based survey over the period of 25 February to 13 March 2021. Finally, 1993 physicians (60% males; 40% females) participated in the study. Influenza vaccination coverage was estimated at 76%. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that older age (OR = 1.02; 95% C.I. = 1.01-1.03), history of COVID-19 vaccination (OR = 2.71; 95% C.I. = 2.07-3.56) and perception that vaccines in general are safe (OR = 16.49; 95% C.I. = 4.51-60.25) were found to be independently associated factors with the likelihood of influenza vaccination coverage. Public health authorities should maximize efforts and undertake additional actions in order to increase the percentage of physicians/health care workers (HCWs) being immunized against influenza. The current COVID-19 pandemic offers an opportunity to focus on tailored initiatives and interventions aiming to improve the influenza vaccination coverage of HCWs in a spirit of synergy and cooperation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Marinos
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Lamprinos
- Emergency Department, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.L.); (P.G.); (G.Z.)
| | | | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- Third Department of Cardiology, Thoracic Diseases General Hospital Sotiria, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (G.S.)
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Zoumpoulis
- Emergency Department, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.L.); (P.G.); (G.Z.)
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- Third Department of Cardiology, Thoracic Diseases General Hospital Sotiria, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (G.S.)
| | - Dimitrios Schizas
- First Department of Surgery, Laikon General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Christos Damaskos
- N.S. Christeas Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Garmpis
- Second Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Anna Garmpi
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - George Patoulis
- Athens’s Medical Association, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (F.P.); (I.D.); (E.T.)
| | - Fotios Patsourakos
- Athens’s Medical Association, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (F.P.); (I.D.); (E.T.)
| | - Ioannis Datseris
- Athens’s Medical Association, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (F.P.); (I.D.); (E.T.)
| | - Efstathios Tsoukalos
- Athens’s Medical Association, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (F.P.); (I.D.); (E.T.)
| | - Ioannis D. Anyfantis
- European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), Prevention and Research Unit, 48003 Bilbao, Spain;
| | - Dimitrios Papagiannis
- Public Health & Vaccines Laboratory, Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Emmanouil K. Symvoulakis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Georgios Rachiotis
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Lariss, Greece;
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Sutcliffe K, Kneale D, Thomas J. 'Leading from the front' implementation increases the success of influenza vaccination drives among healthcare workers: a reanalysis of systematic review evidence using Intervention Component Analysis (ICA) and Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:653. [PMID: 35578203 PMCID: PMC9108687 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08001-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seasonal influenza vaccination of healthcare workers (HCW) is widely recommended to protect staff and patients. A previous systematic review examined interventions to encourage uptake finding that hard mandates, such as loss of employment for non-vaccination, were more effective than soft mandates, such as signing a declination form, or other interventions such as incentives. Despite these overarching patterns the authors of the review concluded that 'substantial heterogeneity' remained requiring further analysis. This paper reanalyses the evidence using Intervention Component Analysis (ICA) and Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to examine whether the strategies used to implement interventions explain the residual heterogeneity. METHODS We used ICA to extract implementation features and trialists' reflections on what underpinned the success of the intervention they evaluated. The ICA findings then informed and structured two QCA analyses to systematically examine associations between implementation features and intervention outcomes. Analysis 1 examined hard mandate studies. Analysis 2 examined soft mandates and other interventions. RESULTS In Analysis 1 ICA revealed the significance of 'leading from the front' rather than 'top-down' implementation of hard mandates. Four key features underpinned this: providing education prior to implementation; two-way engagement so HCW can voice concerns prior to implementation; previous use of other strategies so that institutions 'don't-go-in-cold' with hard-mandates; and support from institutional leadership. QCA revealed that either of two configurations were associated with greater success of hard mandates. The first involves two-way engagement, leadership support and a 'don't-go-in-cold' approach. The second involves leadership support, education and a 'don't-go-in-cold' approach. Reapplying the 'leading from the front' theory in Analysis 2 revealed similar patterns. CONCLUSIONS Regardless of intervention type a 'leading from the front' approach to implementation will likely enhance intervention success. While the results pertain to flu vaccination among HCWs, the components identified here may be relevant to public health campaigns regarding COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Sutcliffe
- EPPI-Centre, Social Research Institute, UCL Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Dylan Kneale
- EPPI-Centre, Social Research Institute, UCL Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK
| | - James Thomas
- EPPI-Centre, Social Research Institute, UCL Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK
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Patelarou A, Saliaj A, Galanis P, Pulomenaj V, Prifti V, Sopjani I, Mechili EA, Laredo‐Aguilera JA, Kicaj E, Kalokairinou A, Cobo‐Cuenca AI, Celaj J, Carmona‐Torres JM, Bucaj J, Asimakopoulou E, Argyriadi A, Argyriadis A, Patelarou E. Predictors of nurses' intention to accept COVID-19 vaccination: A cross-sectional study in five European countries. J Clin Nurs 2022; 31:1258-1266. [PMID: 34309114 PMCID: PMC8446965 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To investigate nurses' intention in accepting COVID-19 vaccination and the factors affecting their decision. BACKGROUND COVID-19 vaccination has started in most European countries with healthcare personnel being the first group receiving the vaccine shots. Their attitude towards vaccination is of paramount significant as their role in the frontline could help in the awareness of general population. METHODS A study was conducted in Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Spain and Kosovo with the use of an online questionnaire. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale was used. The STROBE checklist was followed for this cross-sectional study. RESULTS Study population consisted of 1135 nurses. Mean age of the participants was 38.3 years, while most of them were female gender (84.7%) and married (53.1%). Acceptance of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine was higher among Greek (79.2%) and Spanish (71.6%) nurses, followed by Cypriot (54%), Albanian (46.3%) and Kosovo (46.2%) nurses. Key factors for willingness to get vaccinated were male gender, living in a country with a high mortality rate in comparison with low mortality, being not infected with COVID-19, having high level of knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines and having been vaccinated for influenza in the last 2 years. Moreover, trusting the government and doctors regarding the information about the COVID-19 and having high level of fear about this virus were key factors for willingness to get vaccinated. CONCLUSION Vaccination of healthcare personnel is a crucial issue not only for their own safety but also for their patients'. Healthcare acceptance to get vaccinated can work as a role model for general population. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Gender, country, mortality rate, trust in government and health professionals and the level of fear were key factors that should be managed in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina Patelarou
- Department of NursingFaculty of Health SciencesHellenic Mediterranean UniversityCreteGreece
| | - Aurela Saliaj
- Department of HealthcareFaculty of Public HealthUniversity of VloraVloraAlbania
| | - Petros Galanis
- Faculty of NursingNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | | | - Vasilika Prifti
- Department of NursingFaculty of HealthUniversity of VloraVloraAlbania
| | | | - Enkeleint A. Mechili
- Department of HealthcareFaculty of Public HealthUniversity of VloraVloraAlbania
- Clinic of Social and Family MedicineSchool of MedicineUniversity of CreteCreteGreece
| | - José Alberto Laredo‐Aguilera
- Faculty of Physiotherapy and NursingUniversity of Castilla‐La ManchaToledoSpain
- Multidisciplinary Research Group in Care (IMCU GroupUniversity of Castilla‐La ManchaToledoSpain
| | - Emirjona Kicaj
- Department of HealthcareFaculty of Public HealthUniversity of VloraVloraAlbania
| | - Athina Kalokairinou
- Faculty of NursingNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Ana Isabel Cobo‐Cuenca
- Faculty of Physiotherapy and NursingUniversity of Castilla‐La ManchaToledoSpain
- Multidisciplinary Research Group in Care (IMCU GroupUniversity of Castilla‐La ManchaToledoSpain
| | - Jerina Celaj
- Research CentreFaculty of Public HealthUniversity of VloraVloraAlbania
| | - Juan Manuel Carmona‐Torres
- Faculty of Physiotherapy and NursingUniversity of Castilla‐La ManchaToledoSpain
- Multidisciplinary Research Group in Care (IMCU GroupUniversity of Castilla‐La ManchaToledoSpain
| | - Jorgjia Bucaj
- Department of HealthcareFaculty of Public HealthUniversity of VloraVloraAlbania
| | | | - Agathi Argyriadi
- Department of Psychology and Social SciencesFrederick UniversityNicosiaCyprus
| | | | - Evridiki Patelarou
- Department of NursingFaculty of Health SciencesHellenic Mediterranean UniversityCreteGreece
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37
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Syme ML, Gouskova N, Berry SD. COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Among Nursing Home Staff via Statewide Policy: The Mississippi Vaccinate or Test Out Policy. Am J Public Health 2022; 112:762-765. [PMID: 35324261 PMCID: PMC9010915 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2022.306800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. To examine whether COVID-19 vaccine mandates that allow a test-out exemption for nursing home staff are associated with increased staff vaccination rates in nursing homes. Methods. Using the National Healthcare Safety Network data, we conducted analyses to test trends over time in statewide staff vaccination rates between June 1, 2021, and August 29, 2021, in Mississippi, 4 adjacent states, and the United States overall. Results. COVID-19 staff vaccination rates increased slowly following Mississippi enacting a vaccinate-or-test-out policy, achieving small, but statistically greater gains than most comparator states. Yet, staff vaccination rates in Mississippi remained well below the national average and similar numerically to surrounding states without mandates. Conclusions. Mississippi's COVID-19 vaccinate-or-test policy was ineffective in meaningfully increasing staff vaccination rates. For COVID-19 nursing home mandates to be effective while still balancing the staff turnover risks, facilities might consider a more stringent or hybrid approach (e.g., test-out option not offered to new staff). Public Health Implications. Statewide COVID-19 vaccine mandates, when given a test-out option, do not appear to be an effective strategy to meaningfully increase nursing home staff COVID-19 vaccination. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(5):762-765. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.306800).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie L Syme
- All authors are with Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA. Sarah Berry is also with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine, and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Natalia Gouskova
- All authors are with Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA. Sarah Berry is also with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine, and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Sarah D Berry
- All authors are with Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA. Sarah Berry is also with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine, and Harvard Medical School, Boston
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38
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Rodger D, Blackshaw BP. COVID-19 Vaccination Should not be Mandatory for Health and Social Care Workers. New Bioeth 2022; 28:27-39. [PMID: 35049419 DOI: 10.1080/20502877.2022.2025651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A COVID-19 vaccine mandate is being introduced for health and social care workers in England, and those refusing to comply will either be redeployed or have their employment terminated. We argue that COVID-19 vaccination should not be mandatory for these workers for several reasons. First, it ignores their genuine concerns, and fails to respect their moral integrity and bodily autonomy. Second, it risks causing psychological reactance, potentially worsening vaccine hesitancy. Third, Black and minority ethnic workers are less likely to have been vaccinated and therefore may be disproportionately impacted by the implications of the mandate. Fourth, a mandate could have a significant negative effect on service provision. Fifth, waning immunity and new variants mean that booster doses are increasingly likely to be regularly required, meaning that what constitutes being 'fully vaccinated' will be a constantly shifting target. Finally, vaccine mandates may have an adverse effect on health and social care recruitment. We argue that daily rapid antigen testing is a viable alternative to a vaccine mandate that is non-coercive and fair. This could also be supplemented by monetary incentives to be vaccinated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Rodger
- Institute of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, London, UK
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Berry SD, Goldfeld KS, McConeghy K, Gifford D, Davidson HE, Han L, Syme M, Gandhi A, Mitchell SL, Harrison J, Recker A, Johnson KS, Gravenstein S, Mor V. Evaluating the Findings of the IMPACT-C Randomized Clinical Trial to Improve COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage in Skilled Nursing Facilities. JAMA Intern Med 2022; 182:324-331. [PMID: 35099523 PMCID: PMC8804975 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2021.8067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Identifying successful strategies to increase COVID-19 vaccination among skilled nursing facility (SNF) residents and staff is integral to preventing future outbreaks in a continually overwhelmed system. OBJECTIVE To determine whether a multicomponent vaccine campaign would increase vaccine rates among SNF residents and staff. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This was a cluster randomized trial with a rapid timeline (December 2020-March 2021) coinciding with the Pharmacy Partnership Program (PPP). It included 133 SNFs in 4 health care systems across 16 states: 63 and 70 facilities in the intervention and control arms, respectively, and participants included 7496 long-stay residents (>100 days) and 17 963 staff. INTERVENTIONS Multicomponent interventions were introduced at the facility level that included: (1) educational material and electronic messaging for staff; (2) town hall meetings with frontline staff (nurses, nurse aides, dietary, housekeeping); (3) messaging from community leaders; (4) gifts (eg, T-shirts) with socially concerned messaging; (5) use of a specialist to facilitate consent with residents' proxies; and (6) funds for additional COVID-19 testing of staff/residents. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcomes of this study were the proportion of residents (from electronic medical records) and staff (from facility logs) who received a COVID-19 vaccine (any), examined as 2 separate outcomes. Mixed-effects generalized linear models with a binomial distribution were used to compare outcomes between arms, using intent-to-treat approach. Race was examined as an effect modifier in the resident outcome model. RESULTS Most facilities were for-profit (95; 71.4%), and 1973 (26.3%) of residents were Black. Among residents, 82.5% (95% CI, 81.2%-83.7%) were vaccinated in the intervention arm, compared with 79.8% (95% CI, 78.5%-81.0%) in the usual care arm (marginal difference 0.8%; 95% CI, -1.9% to 3.7%). Among staff, 49.5% (95% CI, 48.4%-50.6%) were vaccinated in the intervention arm, compared with 47.9% (95% CI, 46.9%-48.9%) in usual care arm (marginal difference: -0.4%; 95% CI, -4.2% to 3.1%). There was no association of race with the outcome among residents. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE A multicomponent vaccine campaign did not have a significant effect on vaccination rates among SNF residents or staff. Among residents, vaccination rates were high. However, half the staff remained unvaccinated despite these efforts. Vaccination campaigns to target SNF staff will likely need to use additional approaches. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04732819.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D Berry
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, Massachusetts.,Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Keith S Goldfeld
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Kevin McConeghy
- Center for Long-Term Care Quality & Innovation, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island.,Providence Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - David Gifford
- Center for Health Policy and Evaluation in Long-Term Care, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, Washington, DC
| | | | - Lisa Han
- Insight Therapeutics, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Maggie Syme
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ashvin Gandhi
- University of California, Los Angeles Anderson School of Management, Los Angeles
| | - Susan L Mitchell
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, Massachusetts.,Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jill Harrison
- Center for Long-Term Care Quality & Innovation, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Amy Recker
- Center for Long-Term Care Quality & Innovation, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Kimberly S Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina.,Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Stefan Gravenstein
- Center for Long-Term Care Quality & Innovation, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island.,Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Vincent Mor
- Center for Long-Term Care Quality & Innovation, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island.,Providence Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island
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Gallouche M, Terrisse H, Larrat S, Marfaing S, Di Cioccio C, Verit B, Morand P, Bonneterre V, Bosson JL, Landelle C. Effect of a multimodal strategy for prevention of nosocomial influenza: a retrospective study at Grenoble Alpes University Hospital from 2014 to 2019. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2022; 11:31. [PMID: 35135618 PMCID: PMC8822851 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-021-01046-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A multimodal strategy to prevent nosocomial influenza was implemented in 2015–2016 in Grenoble Alpes University Hospital. Three modalities were implemented in all units: promotion of vaccination among healthcare workers, epidemiologic surveillance and communication campaigns. Units receiving a high number of patients with influenza implemented 2 additional modalities: improvement of diagnosis capacities and systematic surgical mask use. The main objective was to assess the effectiveness of the strategy for reducing the risk of nosocomial influenza.
Methods A study was conducted retrospectively investigating 5 epidemic seasons (2014–2015 to 2018–2019) including all patients hospitalized with a positive influenza test at Grenoble Alpes University Hospital. The weekly number of nosocomial influenza cases was analyzed by Poisson regression and incidence rate ratios (IRR) were estimated. Results A total of 1540 patients, resulting in 1559 stays, were included. There was no significant difference between the 5 influenza epidemic seasons in the units implementing only 3 measures. In the units implementing the 5 measures, there was a reduction of nosocomial influenza over the seasons when the strategy was implemented compared to the 2014–2015 epidemic season (IRR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.23–1.34 in 2015–2016; IRR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.19–0.81 in 2016–2017; IRR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.24–1.03 in 2017–2018; IRR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.23–0.97 in 2018–2019). Conclusions Our data mainly suggested that the application of the strategy with 5 modalities, including systematic surgical mask use and rapid diagnosis, seemed to reduce by half the risk of nosocomial influenza. Further data, including medico-economic studies, are necessary to determine the opportunity of extending these measures at a larger scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghann Gallouche
- MESP TIM-C UMR 5525, Univ. Grenoble Alpes/CNRS, Grenoble INP, Grenoble, France.,Service d'hygiène hospitalière, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Hugo Terrisse
- MESP TIM-C UMR 5525, Univ. Grenoble Alpes/CNRS, Grenoble INP, Grenoble, France
| | - Sylvie Larrat
- Laboratoire de virologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | | | | | - Bruno Verit
- Service de santé au travail, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Patrice Morand
- Laboratoire de virologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Institut de biologie structurale, UMR 5075, Univ. Grenoble Alpes/CNRS/CEA, Grenoble, France
| | - Vincent Bonneterre
- Service de santé au travail, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,EPSP TIM-C UMR 5525, Univ. Grenoble Alpes/CNRS, Grenoble INP, Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Luc Bosson
- MESP TIM-C UMR 5525, Univ. Grenoble Alpes/CNRS, Grenoble INP, Grenoble, France.,Pôle de Santé Publique, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Caroline Landelle
- MESP TIM-C UMR 5525, Univ. Grenoble Alpes/CNRS, Grenoble INP, Grenoble, France. .,Service d'hygiène hospitalière, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.
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Kates OS, Stock PG, Ison MG, Allen RD, Burra P, Jeong JC, Kute V, Muller E, Nino-Murcia A, Wang H, Wall A. Ethical review of COVID-19 vaccination requirements for transplant center staff and patients. Am J Transplant 2022; 22:371-380. [PMID: 34706165 PMCID: PMC8653143 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Transplant centers seeking to increase coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine coverage may consider requiring vaccination for healthcare workers or for candidates. The authors summarize current data to inform an ethical analysis of the harms, benefits, and individual and societal impact of mandatory vaccination, concluding that vaccine requirements for healthcare workers and transplant candidates are ethically justified by beneficence, net utility, and fiduciary duty to patients and public health. Implementation strategies should mitigate concerns about respect for autonomy and transparency for both groups. We clarify how the same arguments might be applied to related questions of caregiver vaccination, allocation of other healthcare resources, and mandates for non-COVID-19 vaccines. Finally, we call for effort to achieve global equity in vaccination as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia S. Kates
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Peter G. Stock
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California,Correspondence Peter G. Stock, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
| | - Michael G. Ison
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Richard D.M. Allen
- Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Jong Cheol Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Vivek Kute
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Science, Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Center, Dr HL Trivedi Institute of Transplantation Sciences (IKDRC-ITS), Ahmedabad, India
| | - Elmi Muller
- Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Haibo Wang
- Clinical Trial Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anji Wall
- Baylor University Medical Center, Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Dallas, Texas
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Hämäläinen A, Patovirta RL, Mauranen E, Hämäläinen S, Koivula I. Support among healthcare workers for the new mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination policy and its effects on vaccination coverage. Ann Med 2021; 53:384-390. [PMID: 33616423 PMCID: PMC7901690 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2021.1889022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Finland was the first European country to introduce a nation-wide mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination policy for healthcare workers (HCWs) by mandating that administrators of health care institutions only employ vaccinated HCWs. In this study, we examine the effects of the new policy and the view of HCWs on the new policy. METHODS A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Kuopio University Hospital among HCWs working in close patient contact. The statistics on vaccination coverage were obtained from the hospital's own databases, where employees were asked to self-report their suitability for work. An anonymous survey was sent to HCWs in 2015-2016 (n = 987) and 2018-2019 (n = 821). RESULTS Vaccination coverage increased from 59.5 to 99.6%, according to the hospital's own records. Among the survey respondents, the seasonal influenza vaccination coverage of HCWs increased from 68.2 to 95.4%. 83.8% of doctors and 49.4% of nurses supported the new policy. 12.7% of doctors and 41.5% of nurses found the new mandate coercive or that it restricted their self-determination. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms the positive effects of mandating the administrators of health care institutions to only employ vaccinated HCWs. The majority (57.9%) of all HCWs supported the new policy, with doctors being more compliant than nurses. Key messages Finland became the first European country to mandate influenza vaccination for HCWs by mandating that administrators of health care institutions only employ vaccinated HCWs. After the new act, the vaccination coverage of HCWs increased close to 100%. Most of the HCWs supported the new act and did not find it coercive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksi Hämäläinen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Ella Mauranen
- Department of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sari Hämäläinen
- Department of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Irma Koivula
- Department of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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Issues surrounding incentives and penalties for COVID-19 vaccination: The Israeli experience. Prev Med 2021; 153:106763. [PMID: 34352308 PMCID: PMC8327565 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine patterns of COVID-19 vaccination in Israel and how these relate to different proposals made about benefits for those vaccinated, and to present the legal and ethical dilemmas surrounding these issues. A retrospective study of COVID-19 vaccination rates in Israel was conducted, with data obtained from the Ministry of Health (MOH). Information on benefits proposed or offered for vaccination and restrictions for non-vaccination were obtained from the MOH and presented in a timeline. By March 1st, 51% of the total population, and 91% of those aged 60 and over, had received their first COVID-19 vaccine. Exemption from quarantine was granted to vaccinated or recovered people from 17th January 2021. The 'green pass' incentive scheme, granting access to social, cultural and sporting events for those fully vaccinated or immune, was proposed in December 2020, and came into effect on February 21st 2021. Incentive schemes which impose limitations on those who choose not to vaccinate may motivate some people to take action. Policymakers should use a measured approach to protect public health, with minimum infringement on citizens' rights. Providing transparent and culturally appropriate information on immunization and ensuring maximal and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines may help build trust.
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Di Lorenzo A, Tafuri S, Martinelli A, Diella G, Vimercati L, Stefanizzi P. Could mandatory vaccination increase coverage in health-care Workers? The experience of Bari Policlinico General Hospital. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:5388-5389. [PMID: 34847813 PMCID: PMC8903935 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1999712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza is a major issue for health-care systems all over the world and health-care workers (HCWs) are a subgroup at increased risk of exposure to respiratory pathogens, including influenza, with potential threat for both their own and their patients’ health. Despite this and despite the anti-influenza vaccination being offered to all HCWs, vaccination coverage among them is still low in Europe, generally less than 30%. During 2020s influenza season, influenza vaccination begun mandatory in Puglia (Italy) and Bari Policlinico General Hospital designed an active call system in order to increase its employees’ compliance to vaccination. This system was able to determine an increase of vaccination coverage from 23.1% to 77.6%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Di Lorenzo
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University, Bari, Italy
| | - Silvio Tafuri
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University, Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Martinelli
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University, Bari, Italy
| | - Giusy Diella
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University, Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Vimercati
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Occupational Health Division, Aldo Moro University, Bari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Stefanizzi
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University, Bari, Italy
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Berry SD, Baier RR, Syme M, Gouskova N, Bishnoi C, Patel U, Leitson M, Gharpure R, Stone ND, Link-Gelles R, Gifford DR. Strategies associated with COVID-19 vaccine coverage among nursing home staff. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 70:19-28. [PMID: 34741529 PMCID: PMC8657529 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background After the first of three COVID‐19 vaccination clinics in U.S. nursing homes (NHs), the median vaccination coverage of staff was 37.5%, indicating the need to identify strategies to increase staff coverage. We aimed at comparing the facility‐level activities, policies, incentives, and communication methods associated with higher staff COVID‐19 vaccination coverage. Methods Design. Case–control analysis. Setting. Nationally stratified random sample of 1338 U.S. NHs participating in the Pharmacy Partnership for Long‐Term Care Program. Participants. Nursing home leadership. Measurement. During February 4–March 2, 2021, we surveyed NHs with low (<35%), medium (40%–60%), and high (>75%) staff vaccination coverage, to collect information on facility strategies used to encourage staff vaccination. Cases were respondents with medium and high vaccination coverage, whereas controls were respondents with low coverage. We used logistic regression modeling, adjusted for county and NH characteristics, to identify strategies associated with facility‐level vaccination coverage. Results We obtained responses from 413 of 1338 NHs (30.9%). Compared with facilities with lower staff vaccination coverage, facilities with medium or high coverage were more likely to have designated frontline staff champions (medium: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.6, 95% CI 1.3–10.3; high: aOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.1–7.7) and set vaccination goals (medium: aOR 2.4, 95% 1.0–5.5; high: aOR 3.7, 95% CI 1.6–8.3). NHs with high vaccination coverage were more likely to have given vaccinated staff rewards such as T‐shirts compared with NHs with low coverage (aOR 3.8, 95% CI 1.3–11.0). Use of multiple strategies was associated with greater likelihood of facilities having medium or high vaccination coverage: For example, facilities that used ≥9 strategies were three times more likely to have high staff vaccination coverage than facilities using <6 strategies (aOR 3.3, 95% CI 1.2–8.9). Conclusions Use of designated champions, setting targets, and use of non‐monetary awards were associated with high NH staff COVID‐19 vaccination coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D Berry
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, and Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rosa R Baier
- Center for Long-Term Care Quality & Innovation, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Maggie Syme
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Natalia Gouskova
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Courtney Bishnoi
- Center for Health Policy and Evaluation in Long-Term Care, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Urvi Patel
- Center for Health Policy and Evaluation in Long-Term Care, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael Leitson
- Center for Health Policy and Evaluation in Long-Term Care, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Radhika Gharpure
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nimalie D Stone
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ruth Link-Gelles
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - David R Gifford
- Center for Long-Term Care Quality & Innovation, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Center for Health Policy and Evaluation in Long-Term Care, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, Washington, DC, USA
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46
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Nudging influenza vaccination among health care workers. Vaccine 2021; 39:5732-5736. [PMID: 34479759 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.08.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Our online randomized controlled trial on 6230 healthcare workers (HCWs) tests the impact that three nudges - social norms, reminding the impact on beneficiaries, and defaults - have on the intention to vaccinate against seasonal influenza across job families. Willingness to get a flu shot was higher among subjects invited to imagine themselves working at the local health authority (LHA) with the greatest immunization coverage within their region relative to their counterparts prompted to imagine working at the LHA with the lowest coverage. Reminding the impact of flu vaccination on beneficiaries had different effects across job families, with physicians caring more benefits for themselves, nurses about patients' benefits, and technicians about family and friends. Default responses anchoring toward a high rather than a low vaccination intention increased the willingness to immunize among all HCW except physicians. Targeted nudges can be considered in developing interventions to promote influenza vaccination among HCWs.
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Baniak LM, Luyster FS, Raible CA, McCray EE, Strollo PJ. COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake among Nursing Staff during an Active Vaccine Rollout. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9080858. [PMID: 34451983 PMCID: PMC8402347 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9080858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Even with the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, factors associated with vaccine hesitancy and uptake among nurses are unknown. This study evaluated COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and uptake of nursing staff during one of the first COVID-19 vaccine rollouts in the United States. A cross-sectional survey was conducted during February 2021 among nursing staff working in a large medical center in central United States. There were 276 respondents; 81.9% of participants were willing to receive the vaccine during the initial rollout, 11.2% were hesitant, and only 5.1% were unwilling. The hesitant group was likely to report having inadequate information to make an informed decision about whether to receive the vaccine (45.2%) and about vaccine expectations (32.3%). The majority (83.3%) received at least one dose of the vaccine. Having greater than 10 years’ work experience (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.16–7.9) and confidence in vaccine safety (OR 7.78, 95% CI 4.49–13.5) were significantly associated with vaccine uptake. While our study indicates higher vaccine uptake among nursing staff during an active vaccine rollout, there remains sustained hesitancy and unwillingness to uptake. For those hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, public health efforts to provide more data on side effects and efficacy may help increase vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn M. Baniak
- Veteran Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA; (F.S.L.); (C.A.R.); (E.E.M.); (P.J.S.)
- Department of Health and Community Systems, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Faith S. Luyster
- Veteran Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA; (F.S.L.); (C.A.R.); (E.E.M.); (P.J.S.)
- Department of Health and Community Systems, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Claire A. Raible
- Veteran Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA; (F.S.L.); (C.A.R.); (E.E.M.); (P.J.S.)
| | - Ellesha E. McCray
- Veteran Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA; (F.S.L.); (C.A.R.); (E.E.M.); (P.J.S.)
| | - Patrick J. Strollo
- Veteran Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA; (F.S.L.); (C.A.R.); (E.E.M.); (P.J.S.)
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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Multisociety statement on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination as a condition of employment for healthcare personnel. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021; 43:3-11. [PMID: 34253266 PMCID: PMC8376851 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2021.322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This consensus statement by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) and the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (AMDA), the Association for Professionals in Epidemiology and Infection Control (APIC), the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS), and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP) recommends that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination should be a condition of employment for all healthcare personnel in facilities in the United States. Exemptions from this policy apply to those with medical contraindications to all COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States and other exemptions as specified by federal or state law. The consensus statement also supports COVID-19 vaccination of nonemployees functioning at a healthcare facility (eg, students, contract workers, volunteers, etc).
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49
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Odone A, Dallagiacoma G, Frascella B, Signorelli C, Leask J. Current understandings of the impact of mandatory vaccination laws in Europe. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:559-575. [PMID: 33896302 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1912603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Vaccinations are among the most successful preventive tools to protect collective health. In response to alarming vaccines preventable diseases (VPDs) outbreaks resurgence, decreased vaccination coverage and vaccine refusal, several European countries have recently revised their vaccination policies introducing or extending mandatory vaccinations. This review examines the health, political and ethical aspects of mandatory vaccination.The authors first clarify terms and definitions and propose a conceptual framework of mandatory policies. Second, they describe the current status of mandatory childhood immunization programmes in Europe, assessing selected mandatory laws. Third, as the authors conduct a systematic review of the literature (retrieving from Medline 17 relevant records between 2010 and 2020), they take an analytical approach to measure the impact of mandatory vaccination policies on both VPDs control and immunization coverage, but also on population attitudes toward vaccines. 40% of European countries currently have mandatory vaccination policies; however, policies vary widely and, although there is evidence of increased vaccine uptake, their impact on informed adherence to preventive behaviors is scant.Although mandatory vaccination policies might be needed to protect collective health in times of emergency, public health goals of VPD prevention and health promotion should primarily be pursued through health education and population empowerment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Dallagiacoma
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Signorelli
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Julie Leask
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery. Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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50
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Trabucco Aurilio M, Mennini FS, Gazzillo S, Massini L, Bolcato M, Feola A, Ferrari C, Coppeta L. Intention to Be Vaccinated for COVID-19 among Italian Nurses during the Pandemic. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9050500. [PMID: 34066068 PMCID: PMC8151959 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9050500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the COVID-19 pandemic has spread globally, health systems are overwhelmed by both direct and indirect mortality from other treatable conditions. COVID-19 vaccination was crucial to preventing and eliminating the disease, so vaccine development for COVID-19 was fast-tracked worldwide. Despite the fact that vaccination is commonly recognized as the most effective approach, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccine hesitancy is a global health issue. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of nurses in four different regions in Italy between 20 and 28 December 2020 to obtain data on the acceptance of the upcoming COVID-19 vaccination in order to plan specific interventions to increase the rate of vaccine coverage. RESULTS A total of 531 out of the 5000 nurses invited completed the online questionnaire. Most of the nurses enrolled in the study (73.4%) were female. Among the nurses, 91.5% intended to accept vaccination, whereas 2.3% were opposed and 6.2% were undecided. Female sex and confidence in vaccine efficacy represent the main predictors of vaccine intention among the study population using a logistic regression model, while other factors including vaccine safety concerns (side effects) were non-significant. CONCLUSIONS Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, intention to be vaccinated was suboptimal among nurses in our sample. We also found a significant number of people undecided as to whether to accept the vaccine. Contrary to expectations, concerns about the safety of the vaccine were not found to affect the acceptance rate; nurses' perception of vaccine efficacy and female sex were the main influencing factors on attitudes toward vaccination in our sample. Since the success of the COVID-19 immunization plan depends on the uptake rate, these findings are of great interest for public health policies. Interventions aimed at increasing employee awareness of vaccination efficacy should be promoted among nurses in order to increase the number of vaccinated people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Trabucco Aurilio
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.T.A.); (L.M.)
| | - Francesco Saverio Mennini
- EEHTA-CEIS, DEF Department, Faculty of Economics, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.S.M.); (S.G.)
- Institute for Leadership and Management in Health, Kingston University, London KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Simone Gazzillo
- EEHTA-CEIS, DEF Department, Faculty of Economics, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.S.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Laura Massini
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.T.A.); (L.M.)
| | - Matteo Bolcato
- Legal Medicine, University of Padua, Via G. Falloppio 50, 35121 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-9941096
| | - Alessandro Feola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Cristiana Ferrari
- Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (L.C.)
| | - Luca Coppeta
- Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (L.C.)
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