Evaluation of the Attitudes and Behaviors of Health Care Workers Toward Influenza Vaccine in Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital

Health care workers (HCWs) are at risk for occupational exposure to influenza and subsequent illness. This study was done to assess the attitudes and acts of the HCWs toward influenza vaccination. Influenza vaccine which was provided by Ministry of Health was administered to HCWs at Vaccination Center of Infectious Control Department between November 20 and 30, 2006. After the vaccination procedures finished, a survey was done to 315 HCWs which were selected randomly from personel sheets. Influenza vaccination rate was 34.6% for 2006-2007 season. There was no significant difference between vaccination rates of physician staff and nursing staff. 47.7% of the HCWs were vaccinated at the hospital. The main reason for not being vaccinated was consideration of the vaccine as ineffective (38%). To conclude, the timing of the campaigns and educational interventions to HCWs about the importance of the influenza infection, benefits and side effects of the vaccine have influence on vaccination rates of free influenza vaccination programs