Attitudes of healthcare professionals in primary healthcare about influenza vaccination

Abstract

Introduction: Influenza is a viral respiratory disease. The most effective way to counteract that disease is by vaccination. Due to aerosol transmission of the virus, its virulence, and the amount of patient–healthcare worker contact in primary care, it is highly recommended for both patient and healthcare worker to get vaccinated.Aim: The study aims to investigate attitudes about flu vaccination among primary healthcare professionals.Material and methods: Quantitative methodology was used in the descriptive cross-sectional survey. That was carried out using a survey questionnaire in 12 healthcare centers around Styria in Slovenia, where the target group of the survey was healthcare professionals in health centers. The data was processed using descriptive statistics, calculating average values, and presented in tables and graphs.Results: Vaccination among healthcare professionals in healthcare centers was found to be higher compared to other studies. They are vaccinated primarily to protect themselves, their family, and their patients. The ones not vaccinated choose to opt out due to personal beliefs regarding their health and the side effects caused by the vaccine. It was also established that free vaccination would contribute greatly to increased interest, as well as vaccination during working hours and a higher number of vaccination sites. Discussion: Based on our results, only a third of healthcare professionals in health centers are vaccinated regularly each year. As vaccination rates are low among healthcare professionals, raising awareness among them and the general population regarding the importance of flu vaccination is of great importance.Conclusion: The vaccination of healthcare professionals in health centers is quite good; however, there is some space for improvement in vaccination coverage. Further prospective research on this topic is needed to obtain a broader aspect of the vaccination problem. In addition to vaccination, we can prevent the spread of influenza through other safeguards and good hygiene habits.