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Future Microbiol. 2019 Jun 18. doi: 10.2217/fmb-2018-0238. [Epub ahead of print]
Influenza vaccination of healthcare workers in Italy: could mandatory vaccination be a solution to protect patients?
Costantino C1, Restivo V1, Tramuto F1, Casuccio A1, Vitale F1.
Author information
Abstract
Several studies have reported that influenza infections in healthcare workers (HCWs) can lead to nosocomial outbreaks. HCWs can potentially be infected with influenza every year, and may continue to work, encouraging the spread of the virus. Different strategies, such as informative interventions on influenza and influenza vaccination, 'onsite' vaccination weeks, communicative strategies through dedicated web and social media pages, and mandatory informed dissent form, were organized for HCWs working at the University Hospital of Palermo, during previous influenza seasons. However, the increased vaccination rates observed among HCWs still remain far from the 75% recommended by Public Health Authorities. The level of coverage observed in countries with mandatory vaccination policies for HCWs, could suggest the adoption of this strategy for increase influenza vaccination adherence in Italy.
KEYWORDS:
communication strategies; healthcare workers; influenza disease perception; influenza vaccination; mandatory vaccination
PMID: 31210543 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2018-0238
Influenza vaccination of healthcare workers in Italy: could mandatory vaccination be a solution to protect patients?
Costantino C1, Restivo V1, Tramuto F1, Casuccio A1, Vitale F1.
Author information
Abstract
Several studies have reported that influenza infections in healthcare workers (HCWs) can lead to nosocomial outbreaks. HCWs can potentially be infected with influenza every year, and may continue to work, encouraging the spread of the virus. Different strategies, such as informative interventions on influenza and influenza vaccination, 'onsite' vaccination weeks, communicative strategies through dedicated web and social media pages, and mandatory informed dissent form, were organized for HCWs working at the University Hospital of Palermo, during previous influenza seasons. However, the increased vaccination rates observed among HCWs still remain far from the 75% recommended by Public Health Authorities. The level of coverage observed in countries with mandatory vaccination policies for HCWs, could suggest the adoption of this strategy for increase influenza vaccination adherence in Italy.
KEYWORDS:
communication strategies; healthcare workers; influenza disease perception; influenza vaccination; mandatory vaccination
PMID: 31210543 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2018-0238