[Attitude and beliefs of healthcare workers toward influenza vaccination in Internal Medicine: A cross-sectional survey]

Abstract

Introduction: The rate of vaccination in HCWs in France remains low. We aimed to analyze the attitude and beliefs of HCWs toward influenza vaccination in Internal Medicine wards.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of HCWs in the departments of Internal Medicine of two tertiary hospitals in France. An anonymous questionnaire designed for this study was used to collect demographic, health beliefs and attitudes, and medical knowledge related to the influenza and influenza vaccine. The survey started shortly prior the 2019 influenza season.

Results: The surveys were completed by 158 (29[18-62] years-old ; 75.9% female ; 69.6% non-medical workers) of 187 (84.5%) HCWs. Overall, influenza vaccination coverage rate was 50.6% (n=80/158). Higher vaccination coverage was found in physician and in HCWs who had a better knowledge about the virus transmission. The reason to fulfill vaccination recommendations was to protect the patients, their relatives and themselves for more than 80% of HCWs compliant to vaccination recommendation. More than a third of HCWs (n=59/158; 37.3%) refused to be vaccinated or hesitated. Among them, 12 (12/59, 20.3%) believed that influenza vaccine could cause flu. The main reasons for reluctant HCWs to eventually accept to be vaccinated were a mandatory vaccination program and the demonstration of a better vaccine efficacy to prevent the disease.

Conclusion: Influenza vaccination coverage among HCWs in Internal Medicine remains low. Education campaigns targeting in priority nurses and nurse assistants is mandatory to improve the compliance of HCWs to vaccination recommendation.

Keywords: Attitude and beliefs; Attitude et croyances; Enquête; Healthcare workers; Influenza vaccination; Internal medicine; Médecine interne; Soignants; Survey; Vaccination antigrippale.