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Perceptions and Influence of a Hospital Influenza Vaccination Policy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Elizabeth L. Daugherty ,
Kathleen A. Speck ,
Cynthia S. Rand  and
Trish M. Perl
Elizabeth L. Daugherty*
Affiliation:
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
Kathleen A. Speck
Affiliation:
Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
Cynthia S. Rand
Affiliation:
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
Trish M. Perl
Affiliation:
Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
*
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 East Monument Street, Fifth Floor, Baltimore, MD 21205 (edaughe2@jhmi.edu)
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Abstract

Objective.

Seasonal influenza is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States each year. Healthcare worker (HCW) influenza vaccination is associated with both decreased absenteeism among employees and improved outcomes among patients. However, HCW influenza vaccine uptake remains suboptimal. The objective of this study was to characterize HCWs' understanding of and response to a stringent vaccination policy.

Design, Setting, and Participants.

A survey of 928 hospital staff at a tertiary academic medical center in Baltimore during the 2008-2009 influenza season.

Results.

Of those surveyed, 75% (n = 695) completed the survey; 623 respondents reported regular patient contact, and 91% of those reported vaccination in the current influenza season. However, only 60% reported consistently receiving the vaccine every year. Of those who were vaccinated, 8% (n = 48) reported being vaccinated for the first time during that influenza season. A significant proportion (42%) of respondents were unaware of the major change in hospital policy regarding vaccination. Influences on the decision to be vaccinated varied significantly between those who are regularly vaccinated and those with inconsistent vaccination habits. Attitudes toward hospital policy varied significantly by race and clinical role.

Conclusions.

Although 91% of respondents with regular patient contact reported being vaccinated for influenza in the 2008–2009 season, only 60% reported consistent annual vaccination. Misinformation regarding hospital policies is widespread. Improvements in vaccination rates will likely require multifaceted, targeted efforts focused on specific influences on less adherent groups. The identified variability in influences on the decision to be vaccinated suggests possible targets for future interventions.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 32 , Issue 5 , May 2011 , pp. 449 - 455
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 2011

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