Objectives: Influenza vaccination is recommended to all health care professionals (HCPs). However, vaccination rate among HCPs is low and may be due to uncertainty about the effectiveness of the vaccine and fear of its adverse effects. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the awareness, knowledge, and attitude of HCPs towards influenza vaccination and we ascertain reasons for not getting vaccinated.
Method: A cross-sectional conducted in 6 major hospitals in Saudi Arabia. 245 anonymous questionnaires were distributed to a convenient sample of staff during the 2012-2013 influenza season. The validated questionnaire consists of five sections that collect information about: demographics, attitude towards influenza vaccination, knowledge about influenza virus and vaccination, current practice and awareness of published guidelines.
Results: 242 completed questionnaires were received, a response rate of 98%. 38% of HCPs reported getting vaccinated. The most common reasons given by HCPs for not getting vaccinated were: fear of contracting illness (16%), belief that they are not at risk from influenza because they are young and healthy (13%) and being unaware of vaccine availability (13%). Non-availability of vaccine (43%) was the highest barrier for not providing vaccine for patients and HCPs followed by safety concerns for the patients (35%) and the respondents (33%). Almost 75% of HCPs were not aware of the influenza immunization guidelines published by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and Centre for Disease Control.
Conclusion: Despite the recommendations, only low percentage of HCPs in Saudi Arabian hospitals is vaccinated against influenza. The attention of health policy makers is needed to improve compliance of HCPs with guidelines on influenza vaccination.
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