529 Audit on Swine Flu Vaccination Uptake in Staff Working in Pediatric Department at Ipswich General Hospital

Abstract

Background: H1N1 influenza pandemic management was the most challenging scenario faced by health authorities worldwide recently. Department of health (DOH) in UK after doing epidemiological study of first wave of swine flu (April to Sep 2009) gave recommendations for management of predicted Second wave. One of the important recommendations was to prioritize vaccination of frontline health and social care workers. Previous studies have shown that the uptake of seasonal flu vaccine among healthcare workers has consistently been low. Objective: To evaluate the uptake rate and reasons for non-uptake of HINI Influenza vaccine in frontline healthcare staff working in a busy Pediatric and Neonatal Unit in a Hospital in East Anglia, U.K. Method: Prospective study conducted over 4 week period during Second Wave of Swine Flu Pandemic. A simple anonymised questionnaire was equally distributed throughout various areas of pediatric and Neonatal department. Staff was randomly informed verbally and actively encouraged to ensure maximum responses. Results: 46(62%) out of 74 respondants were not vaccinated. 30 (65%) out of 46 staff were not vaccinated because of Lack of information either relating to vaccine itself (safety, efficacy, side effects); its availability and accessibility.16 (35%) out of 46 said they were “too busy to get vaccinated”. Other reasons stated were - unpleasant reaction to seasonal flu vaccine, needle phobia and people being on annual leave. Conclusion: Despite the pandemic nature of disease and robust mechanisms in place, Swine flu vaccination uptake continued to be poor. Onsite departmental information and vaccination sessions can be helpful to improve uptake.