Influenza vaccination of health care workers: evaluation of factors that are important in acceptance.

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the associations between putative occupational and epidemiologic determinants and influenza vaccine acceptance among health care workers during two consecutive seasons.

METHODS

Multiple logistic regression models were developed to identify predictors of vaccine acceptance during 1991-1992, then validated in the subsequent year. A combined repeated-measures regression model using generalized estimating equations was fit to examine workers' vaccine acceptance over the 2-year period.

RESULTS

Nearly one-third of hospital employees received influenza vaccine each year [2,364 of 7,320 (32%) in 1991-1992 vs 2,679 of 8,632 (31%) in 1992-1993]. Independent predictors among nurse clinicians included older age, higher salary, longer employment, and minimal absenteeism. Female sex, marriage, higher salary, and employment duration were independent predictors for professional support staff. Older age was the only independent predictor among nonprofessional staff.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that older individuals, those with higher socioeconomic status, and those employed longer are more likely to accept the influenza vaccine. Sex, marital status, and prior work absenteeism are also important predictors in specific groups of health care workers.