Attitudes toward seasonal influenza vaccine among Lithuanian healthcare workers

Abstract

Presentation summary. In Lithuania Healthcare workers (HCW) influenza vaccination rate reaches only 13 %. It is important to find out factors increasing influenza vaccination among HCW. Our study aim was to identify HCW attitudes to vaccination against influenza and the factors influencing it. An anonymous two phase survey was conducted at Lithuanian university of health science hospital, Family Medicine Clinic (FMC). First phase included 97 HCW - vaccinated on FMC in 2013/2014 flu season. According to the first group - randomly selected relevant unvaccinated HCW group of 106 members. 91.8 % of vaccinated group were vaccinated on their own initiative. 8.2 % were encouraged by doctors or family members. Vaccinated HCW (97.9 %) more often than unvaccinated (72.6 %) agreed that the seasonal influenza vaccine is safe (p = 0.001). Unvaccinated HCW (58.5 %) less often than vaccinated (92.8 %) agreed that seasonal influenza vaccine is effective (p = 0.001) Most HCW were vaccinated on their own initiative; the greater number of HCW did not doubt of vaccine safety. Unvaccinated HCW more often were unsure of vaccine efficacy; unvaccinated HCW most frequently mentioned family medicine doctors and other specialists, as persons who could encourage vaccination. Workplace policy may also increase seasonal influenza vaccination rate.