Seasonal influenza vaccination in Kenya: What determines healthcare Workers' willingness to accept and recommend vaccination?

Abstract

Introduction

Data about healthcare workers' (HCW) willingness to accept and recommend seasonal influenza vaccination in countries without influenza vaccination programs are limited.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 7 of the 47 counties in Kenya to examine HCW's knowledge and perceptions of seasonal influenza disease and vaccination. We aimed to enroll all HCW who deliver clinical services directly or peripherally to patients from 5 health facilities in each county. We used chi-square tests and mixed effects logistic regression to identify variables associated with HCW's willingness to accept and recommend seasonal influenza vaccination.

Results

From May–June 2018, we enrolled 2035 HCW, representing 49.0 % of targeted respondents from 35 facilities. Most HCW (82.1 %) were from public health facilities. Among the HCW who had heard of seasonal influenza, 87.3 % (1420/1627) believed it can cause severe illness. Most HCW (1076/1209; 89.0 %) were willing to receive a seasonal influenza vaccine if it was recommended for them and provided for free, and 91.4 % (1441/1576) would vaccinate or recommend vaccination to their patients if vaccine was available. Only 17.6 % (213/1212) reported having ever received a seasonal influenza vaccine. HCW who believed that influenza could cause severe illness (aOR 1.8; 95 % CI 1.0–3.2) and that people around them would be better protected from influenza illness if HCW are vaccinated (aOR 3.1; 95 % CI 2.0–4.9) were more likely to report willingness to accept vaccination. HCW from private health facilities (aOR 2.2; 95 % CI 1.3–6.4), and those who believed that people around them are better protected if HCW are vaccinated (aOR 3.5; 95 % CI 2.2–5.8) were more likely to report willingness to vaccinate or recommend vaccination to patients.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest favorable attitudes among HCW towards seasonal influenza vaccination, many of whom are motivated by the desire to protect the health of others around them.