Researchers reveal reasons for low vaccination rates against influenza viruses

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Researchers reveal reasons for low vaccination rates against influenza

viruses

18. September 2009 05:33

Less than one third of healthcare workers have themselves vaccinated against

classic influenza. This reluctance is astounding, firstly because

vaccination against influenza viruses is considered safe and effective and

secondly because it has been proved to prevent nosocomial transmission of

disease to patients—provided at least 50% of employees have been vaccinated.

In the new issue of Deutsches Ärzteblatt International (Dtsch Arztebl Int

2009; 106(36): 567-72), Sabine Wicker of Johann Wolfgang Goethe University

Hospital, furt and her co-authors reveal why vaccination rates have

stayed so low and how they can be improved.

The attitudes of healthcare personnel to influenza vaccination were

investigated by means of several anonymous questionnaires. Those who opted

for vaccination did so principally to protect themselves and their family,

friends, and colleagues. Concern for patients was relegated to third place.

The most frequent reasons given for refusing vaccination were low estimation

of the risk of infection, fear of adverse effects, and scepticism whether

the vaccine offered adequate protection.

In the influenza season 2008/2009, the vaccination rate at furt

University Hospital was greatly improved by making it mandatory for all

unvaccinated employees to wear a protective mask in order to break chains of

infection in the hospital. Within 10 days the vaccination coverage rose from

33% to 57.7%.

The authors conclude that satisfactory vaccination rates obviously cannot be

achieved by means of voluntary, free-of-charge vaccination programs and

information campaigns. They recommend, therefore, that hospital authorities

consider compulsory vaccination for employees who care for

immune-compromised patients.

http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/