Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
• Identify reasons that nurses do not receive influenza vaccine
• Identify worksite policies related to influenza vaccination


Background:
Despite a longstanding recommendation for annual influenza vaccination of healthcare personnel, the influenza vaccination rate among US health care workers remains low. Nurses are an important target group for healthcare worker vaccination.

Objectives:
To explore the factors associated with nurses' receipt of influenza vaccine

Methods:
Mail survey of 2,000 registered nurses (RNs), randomly sampled from four state licensure files. The 17-item survey focused on the 2005-06 influenza season, included questions on receipt of influenza vaccine; attitudes about influenza vaccination; worksite policies; and practice characteristics. The survey was fielded in January/February 2006.

Results:
Response rate was 72%. In the 2005-06 influenza season, 41% of RNs did not receive influenza vaccine. Their main reasons were concern about adverse reactions (39%), small chance of contracting influenza (19%), limited contact with high-risk patients (18%), flu vaccine not effective (18%), and being too busy (17%). Unvaccinated RNs were less likely to agree that influenza can be serious, that the benefits of flu vaccine outweigh the risk of side effects, and that vaccination of healthcare workers can prevent the spread of influenza to patients. Almost all RNs reported that influenza vaccine was available through their worksite. Worksite policies associated with vaccination included strongly recommending influenza vaccine, direct access to vaccination in individual units, and vaccination during all shifts.

Conclusions:
Nurses' attitudes about influenza vaccine safety and effectiveness match their reasons for not being vaccinated, suggesting that further education is needed in this area. Public health officials should promote worksite vaccination programs that feature direct access to vaccine for all units during all shifts.