OBJECTIVES: To establish uptake of influenza vaccine amongst care home clinical staff in Greater Nottingham, and to investigate what could be done to improve vaccine uptake in this group. STUDY DESIGN: Postal questionnaire surveys were used. In the first instance, a total sample survey was used. In the second instance, a sample of care home staff was surveyed, randomized at the care home level. METHODS: A postal questionnaire completed by care home matrons was used to obtain a preliminary estimate of staff vaccine uptake. Individual staff questionnaires were then used to validate this finding, and measure attitudes, beliefs and behaviours associated with vaccination. RESULTS: Vaccine uptake among those working in care homes with nursing was found to be low. Vaccine uptake was higher in homes with a policy recommending vaccination of staff. Most respondents who had received vaccination reported that they had done so because of an existing medical condition, rather than because of being a healthcare worker. A statistically significant relationship (P=0.02) was found between individuals' reported beliefs on how well they could resist influenza and their vaccination status. CONCLUSIONS: All care homes for the elderly should have a vaccination policy which recommends staff vaccination. Educational campaigns, vaccination in the workplace and free provision of the influenza vaccine may help to improve vaccine uptake in this group.
OBJECTIVES: To establish uptake of influenza vaccine amongst care home clinical staff in Greater Nottingham, and to investigate what could be done to improve vaccine uptake in this group. STUDY DESIGN: Postal questionnaire surveys were used. In the first instance, a total sample survey was used. In the second instance, a sample of care home staff was surveyed, randomized at the care home level. METHODS: A postal questionnaire completed by care home matrons was used to obtain a preliminary estimate of staff vaccine uptake. Individual staff questionnaires were then used to validate this finding, and measure attitudes, beliefs and behaviours associated with vaccination. RESULTS: Vaccine uptake among those working in care homes with nursing was found to be low. Vaccine uptake was higher in homes with a policy recommending vaccination of staff. Most respondents who had received vaccination reported that they had done so because of an existing medical condition, rather than because of being a healthcare worker. A statistically significant relationship (P=0.02) was found between individuals' reported beliefs on how well they could resist influenza and their vaccination status. CONCLUSIONS: All care homes for the elderly should have a vaccination policy which recommends staff vaccination. Educational campaigns, vaccination in the workplace and free provision of the influenza vaccine may help to improve vaccine uptake in this group.
Authors: Ying Zhou; Diane M W Ng; Wing-Hong Seto; Dennis K M Ip; Henry K H Kwok; Edward S K Ma; Sophia Ng; Lincoln L H Lau; J S Malik Peiris; Benjamin J Cowling Journal: PLoS One Date: 2011-11-10 Impact factor: 3.240