Workplace Promotion of Influenza Vaccination Among Healthcare Personnel and Their Association with Uptake During the 2009 Influenza H1N1 Pandemic

Background: Influenza vaccination of healthcare personnel (HCP) is important for patient safety, to protect their own health and to maintain the healthcare workforce during influenza outbreaks. However, survey data suggest that, in a typical year, only about 50% of HCP in the United States are vaccinated for influenza. 

Objectives: We measured workplace efforts to promote influenza vaccination among HCP in the United States and their association with seasonal and pandemic vaccination during the 2009-10 influenza vaccination season.

Methods: Self-reported survey data were collected in June 2010 from eligible HCP (n=1,714) participating in a nationally representative, online research panel. HCP eligible for participation in the survey were those who reported working as patient-care providers and/or working in a healthcare setting. The survey measured workplace exposure to vaccination recommendations, vaccination requirements, on-site vaccination, reminders, rewards for being vaccinated, and/or restrictions for not being vaccinated for seasonal or pH1N1 influenza.

Results: At least two-thirds of the 1,714 HCP were offered worksite influenza vaccination; about one half received reminders; and 10% were required to be vaccinated.  Compared to HCP in other work settings, hospital employees were most likely to be subjected to vaccination promotion activities (p<0.01). Requirements to be vaccinated were associated with increases in seasonal and pandemic vaccination levels of 31 and 49 percentage points respectively (p<0.01), compared to those without requirements.  On-site vaccination was associated with increases in seasonal and pandemic vaccination of 13 and 29 percentage points, respectively (p<0.05) compared to those without on-site vaccination. Reminders and incentives were not associated with vaccination.

Conclusions: Our findings support vaccination requirements as a strategy for increasing influenza vaccination among HCP. Our findings also suggest that making influenza vaccination available to HCP at work could increase coverage. These data highlight the need to reach beyond hospitals in promoting vaccination among HCP.