Immunizing health care workers against influenza: A glimpse into the challenges with voluntary programs and considerations for mandatory polices

Publié le 25 septembre 2013 • Catégorie(s) : Vaccination • Mot(s) clef(s) : grippe

Auteur Susan Quach
Auteur Jennifer A Pereira
Auteur Jeffrey C Kwong
Auteur Sherman Quan
Auteur Lois Crowe
Auteur Maryse Guay
Auteur Julie A Bettinger
Auteur Public Health Agency of Canada/Canadian Institutes of Health Research Influenza Research Network (PCIRN) Program Delivery and Evaluation Theme Group
Publication American journal of infection control
Date Aug 21, 2013
Résumé BACKGROUND: Vaccination of health care workers (HCWs) is an important patient safety initiative. It prevents influenza infection among patients and reduces staff illness and absenteeism. Despite these benefits, HCW influenza immunization uptake is low. Therefore, strategies to achieve high immunization coverage in HCWs, barriers to uptake, and perceptions of mandatory influenza immunization policies were discussed in key informant interviews with influenza immunization program planners. METHODS: We conducted telephone interviews with 23 influenza immunization program planners from 21 organizations (7 acute care hospitals, 6 continuing care facilities, and 8 public health organizations) across Canada. We used content analysis to identify themes from the interviews. RESULTS: Participants used a variety of promotional and educational activities, and many vaccine delivery approaches, to support HCW immunization programs. Barriers to achieving high coverage in HCWs included misconceptions about the safety and effectiveness of the influenza vaccine, negative personal experiences associated with the vaccine, and antivaccine sentiments. Participants mentioned mandatory influenza immunizations as a solution to low coverage. However, they identified challenges with this approach such as obtaining support from stakeholders, enforcement, and limiting personal autonomy. CONCLUSION: Participants believed immunization coverage in health care organizations will continue to be suboptimal using existing program strategies. Although participants discussed mandatory immunization as a way to improve uptake, potential obstacles will need to be addressed for this to be implemented successfully.