Factors affecting influenza vaccine uptake among health care workers

Background In 2000, the UK Departments of Health recommended influenza immunization to employees directly involved in patient care. Uptake of this immunization had tended to be variable and usually low. Aims To assess personal and organizational factors associated with influenza immunization uptake among Health Care Workers (HCWs). Methods A cross-sectional survey of all HCWs within the Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland and a parallel-group study of nursing staff within Elderly Care using self-administered questionnaires. Results Of 203 nurses working in elderly care units 76(37%) were immunized and 127(63%) declined. Almost 70% of those not immunized perceived themselves to be 'healthy' and gave this reason for declining immunization. Nurses were more likely to be immunized by a factor of four if they believed there was benefit for healthy HCWs, three if they felt at-risk of contracting influenza and nine on a recommendation from the occupational health (OH) unit. Fifteen OH units participated in a survey of HCWs at the time of immunization. Five thousand two hundred and thirty (9.7%) HCWs were immunized. Increased uptake was correlated with immunization in area of work (r=0.74, P=0.02) and when provided out of hours (r=0.83; P < 0.001) and by a factor of two with individual targeting of availability (P < 0.001) and when individuals had been previously immunized (P < 0.001). Conclusion Uptake of influenza immunization is low. Attitudes to one's health and to the value of influenza immunization affect the uptake as does the delivery of the immunization programme.