2019 Influenza Vaccination Campaign in an Italian Research and Teaching Hospital: Analysis of the Reasons for Its Failure

Ester Luconi,Viktoriia Shishmintseva,Claudia Gallana,Manuel Maffeo,Elena Pariani,Federica Fornaro,Andrea Cinnirella,Emanuela Maria Campagnoli,Pier Mario Perrone,Ambra Castrofino,Silvana Castaldi

doi:10.3390/ijerph17113881

Abstract

Background: Despite recommendations, the influenza vaccination coverage rate in healthcare workers (HCWs) in Italy is far from the recommended target. The aim of the study is to analyze the influenza vaccination campaign performed in 2019 in a research and teaching hospital in Milan. Methods: The vaccination strategy included an ad hoc ambulatory, as in the previous years, and an onsite ambulatory, introduced for the first time. Personal data and professional categories were collected and analyzed using univariate logistic regression. HCWs who refused the vaccination were asked to fill in a questionnaire to explain their reasons for dissent. Results: The achieved vaccination coverage rate (VCR) for HCWs was 21.5 %, compared to 17.1% in 2018. The lowest VCR was registered among nurses (11.9%), while physicians had the highest VCR (40.7%). Prevalence ratios show that some professional categories were more frequently vaccinated for the first time than attending physicians (reference category); those with statistically significant confidence intervals were nurses (PR: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.78–3.28), residents (PR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.36–2.53), and auxiliary staff (PR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.45–3.74). Conclusions: An onsite vaccination strategy failed in providing a remarkable increase in VCR in 2019, but it is important to point out that the campaign was influenced by several logistic problems.

Highlights

Seasonal flu represents a major public health issue and an important cause of morbidity and mortality [1]
The aim of this study is to evaluate the compliance of healthcare workers (HCWs) to influenza vaccination in a research and teaching hospital in Milan (Italy) to analyze the reasons for the lack of improvement in the vaccination coverage rate (VCR) that was expected with the introduction of an onsite vaccination strategy, and to discuss possible methods to improve adherence to future influenza vaccination campaigns
Our campaign showed an increase of VCR among HCWs compared to the previous year

Summary

Introduction

Seasonal flu represents a major public health issue and an important cause of morbidity and mortality [1]. Health care workers (HCWs) are exposed to an increased risk of contracting flu and spreading it to vulnerable patients and colleagues when compared to the general population [3,4]. Influenza vaccination of HCWs is the most effective public health strategy to prevent influenza transmission in hospitals and to reduce work absenteeism [5,6]. Despite the fact that most of the international public health associations suggest it as a major preventive strategy [7], the vaccination rate is still very low among. HCWs. When considering the vaccination coverage rate (VCR) on a worldwide level, there is a vast heterogeneity. The influenza vaccination coverage rate in healthcare workers (HCWs) in Italy is far from the recommended target. The aim of the study is to analyze the influenza vaccination campaign performed in 2019 in a research and teaching hospital in Milan

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion