BACKGROUND: Only limited data are available on emergency medical technicians' (EMT) influenza vaccination compliance. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to St. Louis EMTs during March to June 2011 to assess compliance with the 2010/2011 and 2009/2010 seasonal and pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccinations, factors that predicted uptake of 2010/2011 seasonal influenza vaccine, and intent to be vaccinated. RESULTS: In all, 265 EMTs participated. EMTs' attitudes and beliefs toward influenza vaccines differed significantly when comparing vaccinated to nonvaccinated EMTs. EMTs whose employer had a mandatory vaccination policy were significantly more likely to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine (100% vs 75.6%, respectively) or the H1N1 vaccine (100% vs 66.8%, respectively) compared with those without such a policy (χ(2) = 8.8, P < .001 and χ(2) = 6.7, P < .01, respectively). In logistic regression controlling for demographics, determinants of 2010/2011 seasonal influenza vaccination included belief that EMTs should be vaccinated every year, perceived importance of vaccination, perception that influenza vaccine has few adverse effects, and past vaccine-seeking behavior. In logistic regression controlling for demographics, determinants of intent to be vaccinated included having the vaccine available on-site and free of charge and belief that EMTs should be vaccinated every year. CONCLUSION: EMT-targeted interventions should be used to increase vaccine compliance, including implementing a mandatory vaccination policy and addressing EMTs' beliefs and attitudes about vaccine in an education campaign.
BACKGROUND: Only limited data are available on emergency medical technicians' (EMT) influenza vaccination compliance. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to St. Louis EMTs during March to June 2011 to assess compliance with the 2010/2011 and 2009/2010 seasonal and pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccinations, factors that predicted uptake of 2010/2011 seasonal influenza vaccine, and intent to be vaccinated. RESULTS: In all, 265 EMTs participated. EMTs' attitudes and beliefs toward influenza vaccines differed significantly when comparing vaccinated to nonvaccinated EMTs. EMTs whose employer had a mandatory vaccination policy were significantly more likely to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine (100% vs 75.6%, respectively) or the H1N1 vaccine (100% vs 66.8%, respectively) compared with those without such a policy (χ(2) = 8.8, P < .001 and χ(2) = 6.7, P < .01, respectively). In logistic regression controlling for demographics, determinants of 2010/2011 seasonal influenza vaccination included belief that EMTs should be vaccinated every year, perceived importance of vaccination, perception that influenza vaccine has few adverse effects, and past vaccine-seeking behavior. In logistic regression controlling for demographics, determinants of intent to be vaccinated included having the vaccine available on-site and free of charge and belief that EMTs should be vaccinated every year. CONCLUSION: EMT-targeted interventions should be used to increase vaccine compliance, including implementing a mandatory vaccination policy and addressing EMTs' beliefs and attitudes about vaccine in an education campaign.
Authors: Terri Rebmann; Michael B Elliott; Deborah Artman; Matthew VanNatta; Mary Wakefield Journal: Am J Infect Control Date: 2015-10-01 Impact factor: 2.918
Authors: Alberto J Caban-Martinez; Carlos A Silvera; Katerina M Santiago; Paola Louzado-Feliciano; Jefferey L Burgess; Denise L Smith; Sara Jahnke; Gavin P Horn; Judith M Graber Journal: J Occup Environ Med Date: 2021-05-01 Impact factor: 2.306