Factors influencing seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among health care workers in an adult tertiary care hospital in Singapore: A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among different health care professional groups.

METHODS

A single-center, cross-sectional survey using a standardized anonymous, self-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitudes, and uptake of seasonal influenza vaccination was used. Associations between respective health care groups and vaccination acceptance were then assessed.

RESULTS

In total, 3,873 health care workers completed the questionnaire. Of these, 7% were administrative staff, 17% were allied health staff, 7% were ancillary staff, 11% were medical staff, and 58% were nursing staff. The overall vaccination rate for the Southern Hemisphere 2015 influenza season was 82%. In a multivariate logistic regression model, after controlling for gender and presence of chronic disease, associated factors for accepting influenza vaccination were age, education level of bachelor degree or higher, preference for vaccination provided by mobile teams, having 1-50 patient contacts per week, and belief in the potential severity of influenza and vaccine safety (P < .05). In contrast, factors negatively associated with vaccination acceptance included being a medical staff member or allied health staff member, living with family members under the age of 16, fear of adverse reactions, and disbelief in vaccination effectiveness (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although vaccine coverage in Singapore has been high, our findings provide guidance for the development of strategies to further improve vaccine coverage among different groups of health care workers.