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Guerrero-Soler M, Gras-Valenti P, Platas-Abenza G, Sánchez-Payá J, Sanjuan-Quiles Á, Chico-Sánchez P. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Influenza Vaccination Coverage of Healthcare Personnel in Alicante, Spain. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:370. [PMID: 38675752 PMCID: PMC11055171 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12040370] [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: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Influenza is a health problem and vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent it. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccination coverage (VC) against influenza in healthcare workers (HCWs). A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Dr. Balmis University General Hospital in the province of Alicante (Spain), in which vaccination data were collected retrospectively. Adverse effects (AEs) were detected via telephone call between 15 and 30 days after vaccination. The existence of significant changes in VC between the different seasons studied was evaluated using Chi square with a statistical significance level of p < 0.05. A total of 8403 HCWs vaccinated throughout the different seasons were studied. The vaccination coverage of HCWs for influenza pre-COVID-19 pandemic (2019/20 season) was 51.9%; increased during the pandemic to 67.9% (2020/21 season) and 65.5% (2021/22 season); and, after the pandemic, it decreased to 42.7% (2022/23 season) (p < 0.05). The most frequent reason for vaccination during the periods evaluated was "self-protection", followed by "protection of patients" and "protection of family members". Of all HCWs evaluated, 26.6% (1460/5493) reported at least one AE. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HCWs' influenza vaccination coverage fluctuated considerably. There has been an increase in VC during the most critical moments of the pandemic, both in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons, which has, subsequently, decreased in the 2022/2023 season, to levels below pre-pandemic (2019/2020 season), which justifies implementing specific measures to recover VC in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Guerrero-Soler
- Epidemiology Unit, Preventive Medicine Service, Dr. Balmis General University Hospital, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (M.G.-S.); (G.P.-A.); (J.S.-P.); (P.C.-S.)
| | - Paula Gras-Valenti
- Epidemiology Unit, Preventive Medicine Service, Dr. Balmis General University Hospital, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (M.G.-S.); (G.P.-A.); (J.S.-P.); (P.C.-S.)
- Department of Community Nursing, Preventive Medicine and Public Health and History of Science, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Guillermo Platas-Abenza
- Epidemiology Unit, Preventive Medicine Service, Dr. Balmis General University Hospital, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (M.G.-S.); (G.P.-A.); (J.S.-P.); (P.C.-S.)
| | - José Sánchez-Payá
- Epidemiology Unit, Preventive Medicine Service, Dr. Balmis General University Hospital, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (M.G.-S.); (G.P.-A.); (J.S.-P.); (P.C.-S.)
| | | | - Pablo Chico-Sánchez
- Epidemiology Unit, Preventive Medicine Service, Dr. Balmis General University Hospital, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (M.G.-S.); (G.P.-A.); (J.S.-P.); (P.C.-S.)
- Department of Community Nursing, Preventive Medicine and Public Health and History of Science, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
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Fan J, Xu S, Liu Y, Ma X, Cao J, Fan C, Bao S. Influenza vaccination rates among healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating influencing factors. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1295464. [PMID: 38026311 PMCID: PMC10657874 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1295464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Healthcare workers risk of exposure to the influenza virus in their work, is a high-risk group for flu infections. Thus WHO recommends prioritizing flu vaccination for them-an approach adopted by >40 countries and/or regions worldwide. Methods Cross-sectional studies on influenza vaccination rates among healthcare workers were collected from PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, and CBM databases from inception to February 26, 2023. Influenza vaccination rates and relevant data for multiple logistic regression analysis, such as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), were extracted. Results A total of 92 studies comprising 125 vaccination data points from 26 countries were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that the overall vaccination rate among healthcare workers was 41.7%. Further analysis indicated that the vaccination rate was 46.9% or 35.6% in low income or high income countries. Vaccination rates in the Americas, the Middle East, Oceania, Europe, Asia, and Africa were 67.1, 51.3, 48.7, 42.5, 28.5, and 6.5%, respectively. Influencing factors were age, length of service, education, department, occupation, awareness of the risk of influenza, and/or vaccines. Conclusion The global influenza vaccination rate among healthcare workers is low, and comprehensive measures are needed to promote influenza vaccination among this population. Systematic review registration www.inplysy.com, identifier: 202350051.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchun Fan
- Center for Laboratory and Simulation Training, School of Public Health, Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shijie Xu
- School of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yijun Liu
- Social and Historical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaoting Ma
- School of Nursing, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Juan Cao
- Department of Public Health, Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chunling Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Gansu Provincial Academic Institute for Medical Research, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shisan Bao
- Center for Laboratory and Simulation Training, School of Public Health, Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
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Nhacolo A, Madewell ZJ, Muir JA, Sacoor C, Xerinda E, Matsena T, Jamisse E, Bassat Q, Whitney CG, Mandomando I, Cunningham SA. Knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, transmission, and prevention: Evidence from health and demographic surveillance in Southern Mozambique. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002532. [PMID: 37910574 PMCID: PMC10619866 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Understanding community members' knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and prevention is essential for directing public health interventions to reduce disease spread and improve vaccination coverage. Here, we describe knowledge of COVID-19 transmission, prevention, and symptoms among community residents in Mozambique. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 33,087 households in a Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Manhiça, Mozambique. Participants were recruited in April 2021 before the Delta variant wave to the peak of Omicron cases in February 2022. Principal components analysis was used to create scores representing knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, transmission, and prevention. Multiple imputation and quasi-Poisson regression were used to examine associations between demographic characteristics and sources of COVID-19 information, and knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, transmission, and prevention. We examined whether sources of COVID-19 information mediated the relationship between educational attainment and knowledge of symptoms, transmission, and prevention. Across this rural community, 98.2%, 97.0%, and 85.1% of respondents reported knowing how COVID-19 could be prevented, that SARS-CoV-2 can cause disease, and how SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted, respectively. The most recognized COVID-19 symptoms were cough (51.2%), headaches (44.9%), and fever (44.5%); transmission mechanisms were saliva droplets (50.5%) or aerosol (46.9%) from an infected person; and prevention measures were handwashing (91.9%) and mask-wearing (91.8%). Characteristics associated with greater knowledge of symptoms, transmission, and prevention included having at least primary education, older age, employment, higher wealth, and Christian religion. Respondents who had experienced COVID-19 symptoms were also more likely to possess knowledge of symptoms, transmission, and prevention. Receiving information from television, WhatsApp, radio, and hospital, mediated the relationship between educational attainment and knowledge scores. These findings support the need for outreach and for community-engaged messaging to promote prevention measures, particularly among people with low education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Nhacolo
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Zachary J. Madewell
- Global Health Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | | | - Elisio Xerinda
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Edgar Jamisse
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Quique Bassat
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
- ISGlobal—Hospital Clínic, Unversitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institutó Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
- Pediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Inacio Mandomando
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
- ISGlobal—Hospital Clínic, Unversitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique
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Sumner KM, Duca LM, Arriola CS, Neyra J, Soto G, Romero C, Tinoco Y, Nogareda F, Matos E, Chavez V, Castillo M, Bravo E, Castro J, Thompson M, Azziz-Baumgartner E. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with frequent influenza vaccination among healthcare personnel in Peru, 2016─2018. Vaccine X 2023; 14:100314. [PMID: 37234596 PMCID: PMC10205539 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2023.100314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite a government-subsidized vaccination program, healthcare personnel (HCP) influenza vaccination uptake remains low in Peru. Using three years of cross-sectional surveys and an additional five years of prior vaccination history of HCP in Peru, we explored HCP knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of influenza illness and its impact on vaccination frequency. Methods In 2016, the Estudio Vacuna de Influenza Peru (VIP) cohort was initiated in Lima, Peru, which collected information about HCP KAP and influenza vaccination history from 2011─2018. HCP were classified by their 8-year influenza vaccination history as never (0 years), infrequently (1─4 years), or frequently (5─8 years) vaccinated. Logistic regression models were used to describe KAP associated with frequent compared to infrequent influenza vaccination, adjusted for each HCP's healthcare workplace, age, sex, preexisting medical conditions, occupation, and length of time providing direct patient care. Results From 2016─2018, 5131 HCP were recruited and 3120 fully enrolled in VIP; 2782 consistently reported influenza vaccination status and became our analytic sample. From 2011─2018, 14.3% of HCP never, 61.4% infrequently, and 24.4% frequently received influenza vaccines. Compared to HCP who were infrequently vaccinated, frequently vaccinated HCP were more likely to believe they were susceptible to influenza (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.22─1.82), perceived vaccination to be effective (aOR:1.92, 95%CI:1.59─2.32), were knowledgeable about influenza and vaccination (aOR:1.37, 95%CI:1.06─1.77), and believed vaccination had emotional benefits like reduced regret or anger if they became ill with influenza (aOR:1.96, 95%CI:1.60─2.42). HCP who reported vaccination barriers like not having time or a convenient place to receive vaccines had reduced odds of frequent vaccination (aOR:0.74, 95%CI:0.61─0.89) compared to those without reported barriers. Conclusion Few HCP frequently received influenza vaccines during an eight-year period. To increase HCP influenza vaccination in middle-income settings like Peru, campaigns could strengthen influenza risk perception, vaccine knowledge, and accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey M. Sumner
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lindsey M. Duca
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Carmen Sofia Arriola
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Joan Neyra
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Bellavista, Peru
| | - Giselle Soto
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Bellavista, Peru
| | - Candice Romero
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Bellavista, Peru
| | - Yeny Tinoco
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Bellavista, Peru
| | - Francisco Nogareda
- Consultant to the Pan American Health Organization, 525 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | | | | | - Maria Castillo
- Hospital Nacional de Salud del Niño, Lima, Peru
- Medical School, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Eduar Bravo
- Medical School, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Juan Castro
- Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrion, Lima, Peru
| | - Mark Thompson
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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You Y, Li X, Chen B, Zou X, Liu G, Han X. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards Influenza Vaccination among Older Adults in Southern China during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1197. [PMID: 37515013 PMCID: PMC10384555 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza is prevalent globally, leading to severe morbidity and mortality. During the pandemic, knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards influenza virus and vaccination were less investigated among southern Chinese older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted through the structured questionnaire among community healthcare centers in selected districts in Shenzhen, southern China from September to October 2021. KAP towards influenza virus and vaccination were analyzed. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify associated factors. Among 975 participants, 55.6% were reported to have received influenza vaccination ever, and 46.6% had taken influenza vaccination in 2020 during the pandemic. Only one-fifth of participants knew severe comorbidities happen among severe influenza cases. A total of 88.3% thought older adults should have influenza vaccination. COVID-19 vaccination history was associated with receiving influenza vaccination (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.32-2.80). People with a high-level income had better KAP towards influenza virus and vaccination. COVID-19 vaccination history was associated with the positive actions of influenza vaccination during the pandemic. Efforts should be made to promote the free influenza vaccination program widely and launch health education events on influenza and its vaccination regularly to improve KAP among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating You
- School of Public Health and Emergency Management, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Binglin Chen
- School of Public Health and Emergency Management, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xuan Zou
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xinxin Han
- School of Public Health and Emergency Management, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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Naranjo L, Domínguez E, Rodriguez C, Chandler R, Belén Arauz A, Barahona de Mosca I, Hernández T, Coto F, Ramirez Chavez J, Sandoval N, Castrejón MM, Leal I, Guzman-Holst A. Adult immunization practices, challenges and opportunities in Central America and the Caribbean: Advisory board proceedings. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2129236. [PMID: 36469706 PMCID: PMC9762812 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2129236] [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
As individuals age, they become increasingly prone to infectious diseases, many of which are vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Adult immunization has become a public health priority in the modern era, yet VPDs vaccination rates for adults are low worldwide. In Central America and Caribbean, national recommendations and vaccination practices in adults differ across countries, and adult vaccination coverage data are limited. An advisory board comprised infectious disease experts, pulmonologists, geriatricians, occupational health, and public health professionals for Central America and Dominican Republic was convened to: a) describe adult immunization practices in these countries; b) discuss challenges and barriers to adult vaccination; and c) find strategies to increase awareness about VPDs. The advisory board discussions reflect that national immunization guidelines typically do not include routine vaccine recommendations for all adults, but rather focus on those with risk factors. This is the case for influenza, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B immunizations. Overall, knowledge lacks about the VPD burden among health-care professionals and the general public. Even more, there is insufficient information on vaccinology for students in medical schools. Actions from the responsible authorities - medical schools and scientific societies which can advocate for vaccination and a better knowledge in vaccinology - can help address these issues. A preventive medicine culture in the workplace may contribute to the advancement of public opinion on vaccination. Promoting vaccine education and research could be facilitated via working groups formed by disease experts, public and private sectors, and supranational authorities, in an ethical and transparent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Naranjo
- SNI- Senacyt Panama, Panama City, Panama,GSK, Panama City, Panama,CONTACT Laura Naranjo Punta Pacífica, Oceanía Business Plaza Torre 1000, Piso 34, Panama City, Panama
| | - Elidia Domínguez
- GSK, Panama City, Panama,Elidia Domínguez Punta Pacífica, Oceanía Business Plaza, Torre 1000, Piso 34Panama City, Panama
| | - Carlos Rodriguez
- Servicio de Infectología Instituto de Oncología “Dr Heriberto Pieter”, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic,Hospital Central de las Fuerzas Armadas, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | | | | | | | | | - Fernando Coto
- Hospital Nacional de Geriatría y Gerontología Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, San José, Costa Rica
| | | | - Nancy Sandoval
- Universidad Rafael Landívar, Hospital Roosevelt, Guatemala City, Guatemala
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Madewell ZJ, Chacón-Fuentes R, Badilla-Vargas X, Ramirez C, Ortiz MR, Alvis-Estrada JP, Jara J. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding seasonal influenza vaccination during pregnancy in Costa Rica: A mixed-methods study. Vaccine 2022; 40:6931-6938. [PMID: 36280562 PMCID: PMC10656696 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.10.023] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza increases stillbirth risk, morbidity and mortality in pregnant women. Vaccination protects pregnant women against severe disease and indirectly protects their infants, but coverage among pregnant women remains low worldwide. We aimed to describe knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding seasonal influenza vaccination among postpartum women and prenatal care physicians in Costa Rica. METHODS We conducted cross-sectional KAP surveys to women one to three days after childbirth at Costa Rican Social Security Fund maternity hospitals, and obstetricians and general practitioners who provided prenatal care in 2017. Principal components analysis, multiple imputation, and logistic regression were used to examine associations between influenza vaccination and demographics, prenatal care, and sources of information-separately for postpartum women and physicians. We also held two focus groups of six healthcare workers each to further describe vaccination KAP. RESULTS We surveyed 642 postpartum women and 146 physicians in maternity hospitals in five Costa Rican provinces of whom 85.5 % (95 % CI: 82.6 %-88.0 %) and 57.9 % (95 % CI: 49.6 %-65.7 %) were vaccinated for influenza, respectively. Factors associated with influenza vaccination for postpartum women included tetanus vaccination (aOR: 3.62, 95 % CI: 1.89-6.92); received vaccination recommendations from clinicians during prenatal check-ups (aOR: 3.39, 95 % CI: 2.06-5.59); had other children in household vaccinated for influenza (aOR: 2.25, 95 % CI: 1.08-4.68); and secondary/university education (aOR: 0.15-0.31) with no formal education as reference. For postpartum women, reasons for vaccination were perceived benefits for mother and infant, whereas not being offered vaccines was most cited for non-vaccination. Most prenatal care physicians recommended influenza vaccines during prenatal check-ups but believed vaccination causes flu-like symptoms. CONCLUSION Vaccination campaigns and provisions of free vaccines effectively increased knowledge and coverage among women in Costa Rica. To improve access, women should be offered vaccines during prenatal care appointments. Educating healthcare workers about vaccine benefits for themselves and patients is needed to mitigate safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Madewell
- Centro de Estudios en Salud, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
| | - Rafael Chacón-Fuentes
- Centro de Estudios en Salud, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | | | | | - Maria-Renee Ortiz
- Centro de Estudios en Salud, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | | | - Jorge Jara
- Centro de Estudios en Salud, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
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Alobwede SM, Kidzeru EB, Katoto PDMC, Lumngwena EN, Cooper S, Goliath R, Jackson A, Wiysonge CS, Shey MS. Influenza Vaccination Uptake and Hesitancy among Healthcare Workers in Early 2021 at the Start of the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout in Cape Town, South Africa. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1176. [PMID: 35893825 PMCID: PMC9332543 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination attitudes among healthcare workers (HCWs) predict their level of vaccination uptake and intention to recommend vaccinations to their patients. To our knowledge, no study has been conducted in South Africa to assess hesitancy toward influenza vaccines among HCWs. We adapted a questionnaire developed and validated by Betsch and colleagues and used it to conduct online and face-to-face interviews among HCWs at the start of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess predictors of influenza vaccine hesitancy. Of 401 participants, 64.5% were women, 49.2% were nurses, and 12.5% were physicians. A total of 54.9% were willing to accept, 20.4% were undecided, and 24.7% intended to refuse influenza vaccination. Participants who were above 25 years of age and physicians were more likely to accept the vaccine. Key predictors of vaccine acceptance were confidence in the effectiveness, consideration of benefits and risks, and willingness to be vaccinated to protect others. Influenza vaccine hesitancy was highest in those who did not trust that influenza vaccines are safe. For future flu seasons, tailored education programs on the safety and effectiveness of flu vaccines targeting younger HCWs, could be vital to improving vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M. Alobwede
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa;
- Clinical Division, Department of Research and Innovation, Partners in Sexual Health, Cape Town 7500, South Africa
| | - Elvis B. Kidzeru
- Centre for Research on Health and Priority Pathologies (CRHPP), Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies (IMPM), Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaounde P.O. Box 13033, Cameroon;
- Hair and Skin Research Laboratory, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine and Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Medicine, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Patrick D. M. C. Katoto
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7500, South Africa; (P.D.M.C.K.); (S.C.); (C.S.W.)
- Centre for General Medicine and Global Health, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Evelyn N. Lumngwena
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa;
- Centre for the Study of Emerging and Re-Emerging Infections (CREMER), Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies (IMPM), Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaounde P.O. Box 13033, Cameroon
| | - Sara Cooper
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7500, South Africa; (P.D.M.C.K.); (S.C.); (C.S.W.)
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Francie Van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Rene Goliath
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Africa (CIDRI-Africa), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (R.G.); (A.J.)
| | - Amanda Jackson
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Africa (CIDRI-Africa), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (R.G.); (A.J.)
| | - Charles S. Wiysonge
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7500, South Africa; (P.D.M.C.K.); (S.C.); (C.S.W.)
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Francie Van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
- HIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban 4091, South Africa
| | - Muki S. Shey
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa;
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Africa (CIDRI-Africa), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (R.G.); (A.J.)
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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