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Occupational Medicine 52:271-276 (2002)
Copyright © 2002 Society of Occupational Medicine

A survey of the delivery and uptake of influenza vaccine among health care workers

J. Smedley * , C. Palmer {dagger} , J. Baird {dagger} and M. Barker {dagger}

*Occupational Health and Safety Service, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust; and {dagger}Public Health Department, Southampton and South West Hants Health Authority, Southampton, UK

Correspondence to: J. Smedley, Occupational Health Department, Residence Block 3, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK. e-mail: Julia.Smedley{at}suht.swest.nhs.uk

Abstract

During the 1990s, policies for immunizing fit health care workers against influenza varied between National Health Service (NHS) employers and the uptake of influenza vaccine by NHS staff was poor. In light of recent Department of Health recommendations to immunize key health care staff against influenza, we explored the possible reasons for poor uptake and assessed the impact of an intensive promotion campaign on vaccine acceptance. Among 290 doctors and nurses, the main perceived barriers to influenza immunization were difficulty with practical access to vaccine and lack of time to attend. Following intensive promotion and improved local access to influenza vaccine, the uptake among health care workers was approximately doubled. However, the overall proportion of staff immunized was low (5%) and the immunization rate among medical staff was particularly poor (2%). The practical implications for influenza immunization campaigns aimed at health care workers are discussed.

Keywords      Health care workers; immunization; influenza vaccine; occupational


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