Healthcare staff perceptions towards influenza and potential COVID-19 vaccination in the 2020 pandemic context

J Hosp Infect. 2021 Jun:112:45-48. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.02.024. Epub 2021 Mar 19.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic generated renewed focus on infectious disease transmission in healthcare settings. This study aimed to evaluate staff perceptions towards influenza vaccination in the COVID-19 context. All healthcare workers within a major UK tertiary referral hospital were invited to answer a survey conducted from September 2nd to 13th, 2020. In all, 593 responses were received across a spectrum of roles; 44% reported they were more likely to get an influenza vaccine this year due to COVID-19; however, 10% felt that an influenza vaccine was less important due to social distancing. Additional questions evaluated intention to receive COVID-19 vaccination. There were substantial differences of opinion between staff groups.

Keywords: COVID-19; Healthcare workforce; Influenza; Vaccination.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / prevention & control*
  • COVID-19 / psychology
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / standards
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Health Personnel / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Influenza Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Influenza, Human / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United Kingdom
  • Vaccination / psychology*

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Influenza Vaccines