Use of, effectiveness of, and attitudes regarding influenza vaccine among house staff.
OBJECTIVE
To determine influenza vaccination rates, vaccine effectiveness, and factors influencing vaccination decisions among house staff.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
All residents registered at the University of Toronto were surveyed after the 1999-2000 influenza season. Of the 1,159 questionnaires mailed, 670 (58%) could be evaluated.


RESULTS
Influenza-like illnesses were reported by 36% of house staff. The vaccination rate was 51% among respondents, being highest for community and occupational medicine and pediatric staff (77% and 75%) and lowest for psychiatry, surgery, and radiology staff (32%, 36%, and 36%). Vaccinees reported significantly fewer episodes of illness (42 vs 54 per 100 subjects; P = .03) and fewer days of illness (272 vs 374 per 100 subjects; P = .02); absenteeism was not different (63 vs 69 per 100 subjects; P = .69). Self-protection was the most common reason for vaccination. Vaccinees believed the vaccine was more effective than did non-vaccinees (P < .01). Non-vaccinees considered influenza-like symptoms the most important side effect of the vaccine. Busy schedules and inconvenience were the most common reasons for not getting vaccinated. Overall, 44% of house staff believed the influenza vaccine should be mandatory.


CONCLUSIONS
Influenza-like illness was common among house staff. They tended to work through their illnesses, potentially putting patients at risk. They were motivated mostly by self-protection and did report a benefit. Despite busy schedules and an unfounded fear of getting influenza symptoms from the vaccine, many thought the vaccine should be mandatory.
Lester
Richard T
RT
Department of Medicine and Health Policy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
McGeer
Allison
A
Tomlinson
George
G
Detsky
Allan S
AS
D000041:Absenteeism; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004501:Education, Medical; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009864:Ontario / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D013038:Specialization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D007252:Influenza Vaccines