P-1108. Influenza Vaccination Uptake Among Healthcare Workers: Barriers, Facilitators, and Innovative Strategies

TL;DR

This study explores why healthcare workers in Indian hospitals don't get flu vaccines and how targeted strategies can increase vaccination rates.

Contribution

The study identifies effective multifaceted interventions to improve influenza vaccination uptake among healthcare workers in a resource-limited setting.

Findings

Baseline influenza vaccination coverage was 30.5%, rising to 70.2% after interventions.

Good knowledge, prior vaccination, and peer encouragement were strong predictors of vaccine acceptance.

Fear of side effects, lack of time, and low perceived risk were major barriers to uptake.

Abstract

Despite being a vital preventive measure, seasonal influenza vaccination among healthcare workers (HCWs) remains suboptimal in many Indian hospitals. Understanding barriers and enablers to vaccine uptake is essential to implement sustainable, evidence-based strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the determinants of influenza vaccine acceptance and the impact of targeted interventions on improving uptake in a tertiary care hospital in India.Predictors and Barriers of Influenza Vaccine Uptake Among Healthcare WorkersThis bar chart illustrates enablers (in green) and barriers (in red) influencing influenza vaccine uptake among healthcare workers at a tertiary hospital in South India. Key enablers identified through multivariate logistic regression include good knowledge (aOR: 3.1), prior vaccination (aOR: 2.6), and peer encouragement (aOR: 1.8). Major barriers included fear of side effects (40.2%), lack of time (29.7%), and low perceived risk (25.5%).

Predictors and Barriers of Influenza Vaccine Uptake Among Healthcare Workers

This bar chart illustrates enablers (in green) and barriers (in red) influencing influenza vaccine uptake among healthcare workers at a tertiary hospital in South India. Key enablers identified through multivariate logistic regression include good knowledge (aOR: 3.1), prior vaccination (aOR: 2.6), and peer encouragement (aOR: 1.8). Major barriers included fear of side effects (40.2%), lack of time (29.7%), and low perceived risk (25.5%).

A prospective, mixed-methods study was conducted between January and December 2023 at a 650-bed tertiary care teaching hospital in South India. A pre-tested questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, and vaccination history of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff. Interventions included mobile vaccine carts, departmental peer champions, behavioral nudges, and a mild reward-based incentive system. Pre- and post-intervention uptake data were collected and analyzed. Chi-square test was used for group comparisons, and multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of vaccine acceptance. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Out of 734 HCWs surveyed, baseline influenza vaccination coverage was 30.5%. Following intervention, coverage rose to 70.2% (p < 0.001). Factors positively associated with vaccine uptake included prior vaccination (aOR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.9–3.7), good knowledge score (aOR: 3.1, 95% CI: 2.2–4.5), and peer encouragement (aOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.7). Key barriers included fear of side effects (40.2%), lack of time (29.7%), and low perceived risk (25.5%).

Multifaceted interventions significantly improved influenza vaccination among HCWs in a resource-limited tertiary hospital. Enhancing access, education, and peer influence, coupled with data-driven behavior modeling, offers a scalable model for improving vaccine uptake.

All Authors: No reported disclosures

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