Attitudes towards COVID-19 and influenza vaccination in healthcare workers

Aim: Vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) is critical to curtailing the spread of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza. There is need to identify empirically supported strategies to increase uptake, especially as maintaining the health of HCWs is indispensable during influenza season. Herd immunity can only be appreciated therefore with high levels of vaccination, consequently supporting health service resilience, through reduction in workplace absenteeism and breaking possible transmission chains. The aim of the study was to assess attitudes, aversions, and advantages among HCWs in relation to COVID-19 and influenza vaccination.

Methods: From 19/09/2023 to 26/09/2023, an anonymous voluntary questionnaire was sent to the mailing list of the healthcare structures within Public Health, HSE Dublin and North-East. Data was collected through Smart Survey platform.

Results: A total of 595 HCWs responded to survey (217 (36%) were from Nursing; 192 (32%) were from other patient client care; 126 (21%) were from Health & Social care; and 60 (10%) were from Medical & Dental professionals).

Discussion: Overall, the respondents stated: that HCW vaccination was good example for patients (i.e. COVID-19 (528 (89%)); and Influenza (551 (93%)); they were confident around advising patients on vaccination (i.e. COVID-19 (413 (69%)); and Influenza (455 (76%)); the minority were concerned about serious vaccination side effects (i.e. COVID-19 (249 (42%)); and Influenza (102 (17%)); and with 313 (53%) preferring to have their vaccination on separate days. There was difference in HCWs favouring mandatory vaccination (i.e. COVID-19 (43.70%); and Influenza (302 (51%)).

Discussion: The findings of this study provide an opportunity to understand HCWs attitudes to COVID-19 and influenza vaccination in Ireland, to improve vaccination uptake within this cohort especially among hesitant individuals.