Acceptance of the 2009 A(H1N1) influenza vaccine among hospital workers in two French cancer centers

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine predictive factors influencing the acceptance of the 2009 A(H1N1) influenza vaccination among hospital workers (HW) in two French cancer centers. A standardized, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was sent to HW of two cancer centers. The survey response rate was 26.2% ( n = 506). Main reasons for A(H1N1) vaccination acceptance were “to protect my relatives” (30.3%), “to protect myself” (30.3%). Main reasons for A(H1N1) vaccination refusal were the fear of side effects (43.1%), doubt about the vaccine's efficacy (25.8%). Vaccinated HW were more influenced by the institutional campaign ( p < 0.001) or colleagues’ advice ( p < 0.001) whereas non-vaccinated HW were influenced by their family physician's advice ( p = 0.03), personal conviction ( p < 0.001) or the media ( p < 0.001). A multivariate analysis revealed age (>35 vs ≤35), prior seasonal influenza vaccination, professional category and source of information to be predictive factors of vaccination. Future vaccination campaigns will need to focus on young HW (≤35-year old), with no prior influenza vaccination and HW who are in contact with patients and who reported low seasonal influenza vaccination rates.