Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding influenza vaccination among healthcare workers in a Saudi hospital.

Background: Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for healthcare workers (HCWs) in order to reduce the morbidity associated with influenza in healthcare settings. The objectives of the study were to determine the rate of influenza vaccination, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs toward influenza immunization among healthcare workers at our hospital, and to identify reasons for electing or declining the immunization.

Methods: Between January and February 2009, we carried out a cross-sectional study of influenza vaccination coverage among HCWs at King Abdul-Aziz Hospital, Saudi Arabia. After receiving a brief description of the aim of the study, 512 of 902 HCWs self-completed an anonymous questionnaire.

Results: Influenza vaccination coverage was low at a rate of 34.4% in 2008-9. The knowledge of influenza disease and prevention was low, with a mean knowledge score of 5.8+/-2.1. The most common reason for being vaccinated was self-protection from illness (95%), and the most common reason for not being vaccinated was a belief that vaccine is not effective in disease prevention (51%). We found that being female, awareness of effectiveness of vaccine in disease prevention, feeling at risk of influenza, self-protection, to protect the patients, previous influenza vaccination were statistically significant factors for influenza vaccination.

Conclusion: Despite the recommendations, influenza vaccination coverage is low among HCWs at our hospital. Misconceptions about influenza vaccination were prevalent among the healthcare workers. Specific continuous educational and vaccination programs for different targets should be organized to reduce morbidity and mortality in high-risk patients.