Seasonal and H1N1 influenza vaccine compliance and intent to be vaccinated among emergency medical services personnel

Abstract

Only limited data are available on emergency medical technicians' (EMT) influenza vaccination compliance. A questionnaire was administered to St. Louis EMTs during March to June 2011 to assess compliance with the 2010/2011 and 2009/2010 seasonal and pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccinations, factors that predicted uptake of 2010/2011 seasonal influenza vaccine, and intent to be vaccinated. In all, 265 EMTs participated. EMTs' attitudes and beliefs toward influenza vaccines differed significantly when comparing vaccinated to nonvaccinated EMTs. EMTs whose employer had a mandatory vaccination policy were significantly more likely to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine (100% vs 75.6%, respectively) or the H1N1 vaccine (100% vs 66.8%, respectively) compared with those without such a policy (χ(2)= 8.8, P < .001 and χ(2)= 6.7, P < .01, respectively). In logistic regression controlling for demographics, determinants of 2010/2011 seasonal influenza vaccination included belief that EMTs should be vaccinated every year, perceived importance of vaccination, perception that influenza vaccine has few adverse effects, and past vaccine-seeking behavior. In logistic regression controlling for demographics, determinants of intent to be vaccinated included having the vaccine available on-site and free of charge and belief that EMTs should be vaccinated every year. EMT-targeted interventions should be used to increase vaccine compliance, including implementing a mandatory vaccination policy and addressing EMTs' beliefs and attitudes about vaccine in an education campaign.