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Influenza vaccination among healthcare workers in a university children's hospital

Tapiainen, Terhi and Bär, Gurli and Schaad, Urs B. and Heininger, Ulrich. (2005) Influenza vaccination among healthcare workers in a university children's hospital. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 26 (11). pp. 855-858.

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Official URL: http://edoc.unibas.ch/dok/A5839137

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the attitudes of pediatric healthcare workers (HCWs) toward influenza vaccination and to increase their rate of immunization. METHODS: A survey was conducted among pediatric HCWs using an anonymous questionnaire. Survey results were used to design an intervention to increase the immunization rate of staff. Immunization rates before (2003-2004) and after (2004-2005) intervention were assessed using immunization clinic records. SETTING: A university children's hospital in Switzerland. INTERVENTIONS: (1) An informational letter based on misconceptions noted in the survey, (2) educational conversations with head nurses, (3) more "walk-in" immunization clinics, and (4) a direct offer of influenza immunization on the wards. RESULTS: Among vaccine nonrecipients, doubts about the efficacy and necessity of influenza immunization were prevalent and more often reported by nurses than physicians (75% vs 41%, P = .002; and 55% vs 23%, P = .001, respectively). Physicians more often than nurses reported lack of time as a reason for not receiving influenza vaccination (23% vs 5%, P = .01). After intervention, the immunization rate of HCWs increased from 19% to 24% (P = .03). The immunization rate of physicians increased from 43% to 64% (P = .004). No change was noted among nurses (13% vs 14%) and other HCWs (16% vs 16%). CONCLUSIONS: Misconceptions about influenza vaccination were prevalent among pediatric staff, particularly nurses. Active promotion and educational efforts were successful in increasing the immunization rate of physicians but not nurses and other HCWs.
Faculties and Departments:03 Faculty of Medicine
03 Faculty of Medicine > Bereich Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde (Klinik) > Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde (UKBB)
03 Faculty of Medicine > Departement Klinische Forschung > Bereich Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde (Klinik) > Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde (UKBB)
UniBasel Contributors:Heininger, Ulrich
Item Type:Article, refereed
Article Subtype:Research Article
Publisher:Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America
ISSN:0899-823X
e-ISSN:1559-6834
Note:Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal article
Language:English
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Last Modified:30 Nov 2017 08:05
Deposited On:08 Jun 2012 06:30

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