Tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination among healthcare personnel-United States, 2011.

BACKGROUND

Health-care personnel (HCP) are at risk for exposure to and possible transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases. Receiving recommended vaccines is an essential prevention practice for HCP to protect themselves and their patients. The tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) was recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for HCP in 2006 for protection against pertussis. We assessed the recent compliance of U.S. HCP in receiving Tdap vaccination.

METHODS

To estimate Tdap vaccination coverage among HCP, we analyzed data from the 2011 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Multivariable logistic regression and predictive marginal models were performed to identify factors independently associated with vaccination among HCP.

RESULTS

Overall, Tdap vaccination coverage was 26.9% among HCP aged 18-64 years (95% confidence interval (CI)=24.3%, 29.7%), which was significantly higher compared with non-HCP among the same age group (11.1%; 10.5-11.8%). Overall, vaccination coverage was significantly higher among physicians (41.5%) compared with nurses (36.5%) and other types of HCP (range 11.7-29.9%). Vaccination coverage was significantly higher among HCP aged 18-49 years compared with those 50-64 years (30.0% vs. 19.2%, respectively). Characteristics independently associated with an increased likelihood of Tdap vaccination among HCP were: younger age, higher education, living in the western United States, being hospitalized within past year, having a place for routine health care in clinic or health center, and receipt of influenza vaccination in the previous year. Marital status of widowed, divorced, or separated was independently associated with a decreased likelihood of Tdap vaccination among HCP.

CONCLUSIONS

By 2011, Tdap vaccination coverage was only 26.9% among HCP. Vaccination coverage varied widely by types of HCP and demographic characteristics. Emphasizing the benefits of HCP vaccination for staff and patients, providing vaccinations in the workplace and other non-traditional settings, and providing Tdap at no charge may help increase Tdap vaccination among HCP in all health-care settings.