Influenza and Health Care Workers (HCW)
HCWs are highly exposed to influenza during epidemics
HCW are at risk of acquiring influenza during epidemics:
- from direct patient contact
- from the general community
And thus, serve as an important reservoir for patients under their care.
D Salgado, Influenza in the acute hospital setting, THE LANCET Infectious Diseases Vol 2 March 2002
The WHO recommends influenza vaccination for HCWs
Influenza infections can have a specific impact in this population in different ways1,2
- High risk of exposure
- Illness in staff and loss of staff time (economic and health service function)
- Capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk of influenza-related complications
- Dolan GP, et al. Emerg Infect Dis 2012;18(8):1225.
- Ahmed F, et al. Clin Infect Dis 2014; 58(1):50
Physician recommendation is a key driver for influenza vaccination
“Of factors that might be associated with influenza vaccination status, including race and gender, the most important was a recommendation for vaccination by a health-care provider” – MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1988; 37(43):657
| Patient Attitude | Physician Recommendation | Percent Vaccinated |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Yes | 87 |
| Negative | Yes | 70 |
| Positive | No | 8 |
| Negative | no | 7 |
CDC. Adult immunization: knowledge, attitudes, and practices 1988. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1988; 37(43):657
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