Understanding vaccination behavior of healthcare workers in German hospitals-results from the OKaPII study

Abstract

Influenza vaccination coverage in Germany is generally low. Even in hospitals, the demand for influenza vaccination is lacking although it has the potential to prevent the spread of the influenza virus and diseases. To take effective actions, adeeper understanding of vaccination behavior of healthcare workers is crucial. OKaPII is an annual German-wide online survey of clinical staff on influenza vaccination. Differences in vaccination behavior were tested for occupation, sex, and age, and differences in knowledge were tested between physicians and nurses. We used logistic regressions to analyze associations between psychological determinants and vaccination behavior among physicians and nursing staff. From 115 clinics, 15,312 employees participated in the survey (17 April to 15 May 2023). In the 2022/23 season, 58.7% of the participants were vaccinated against influenza. The vaccination coverage was 80.7% for physicians and 51.1% for nursing staff . The vaccination behavior of physicians and nursing staff was significantly associated with collective responsibility and confidence in vaccination safety. Of the knowledge items, 87.2% were answered correctly by physicians and 62% by nursing staff. We identified significant differences in vaccine uptake between occupational groups in German hospitals. Low vaccination coverage has existed for years, especially among nursing staff. Tailored interventions should promote the idea of protecting vulnerable people and confidence in the safety of vaccination. Increased education, especially on vaccination safety issues, can have apositive impact on the decision to vaccinate. Possibilities to get vaccinated despite time constraints in the workplace should be provided.