http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11895030&dopt=Abstract
Poor health care worker vaccination coverage and knowledge of
vaccination recommendations in a tertiary Australia hospital.
Murray SB, Skull SA.
Victorian Public Health Training Scheme.
OBJECTIVES: Guidelines for vaccination of health care workers (HCWs) have been
available in Victoria since 1998. We estimated knowledge and attitudes towards
vaccination among HCWs as well as self-reported vaccination status in a tertiary
adult hospital in Melbourne, Australia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was
conducted in July 2000 using a telephone questionnaire and proportionate random
sampling. RESULTS: Only 18% of 269 HCWs were fully vaccinated. Most (76%) had
not heard of or seen current guidelines for HCW vaccination despite a stated
belief in the importance of full vaccination (94%) and a willingness to update
their vaccination status if necessary (96%). Less than half kept vaccination
records (39%). Hepatitis B vaccination (95%) was most commonly completed.
However, only half of all HCWs had received influenza vaccination in the past 12
months and other vaccines often had suboptimal coverage. A common reason cited
for avoiding vaccination was concern over vaccine side effects (17%). While the
hospital staff clinic was an acceptable site for vaccination, improved access
was seen as important. CONCLUSIONS: HCW vaccination coverage and knowledge of
vaccination requirements were poor. Concerns about vaccine side effects were
common. Implications: Adequately resourced HCW vaccination programs that include
ongoing education for HCWs and improved access to vaccination are necessary to
improve vaccination coverage and reduce the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases
among staff and patients.
PMID: 11895030 [PubMed - in process]
ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND
MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS
OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR
LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND
COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH
YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.
Books,
LinkOut