Influenza vaccination among registered nurses: information receipt, knowledge, and decision-making at an institution with a multifaceted educational program.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the receipt of information and knowledge about influenza and vaccination, as well as influenza vaccination status and reasons for declining vaccination, among registered nurses.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey of registered nurses (RNs).


METHODS
A large tertiary medical center with a long-standing, multifaceted influenza vaccination program and relatively high vaccination rates among employees overall (76.5%).


METHODS
Randomly selected group of 990 RNs employed as inpatient staff nurses at the institution.


RESULTS
The survey was completed by 513 (51.8%) of 990 RNs. Most RNs (86.7%) had received an influenza vaccination in the past, and 331 (64.5%) intended to receive vaccination during the 2005-2006 influenza season. More than 90% of RNs acknowledged exposure to educational bulletins, and most had received information about influenza severity (383 [74.7%]), transmission (398 [77.6%]), vaccine safety (416 [81.1%]), and the time and location of free vaccination (460 [89.7%]). A majority (436 [85.0%]) felt they had received all the information they needed to make good decisions about vaccination. However, only 49 RNs (9.6%) gave correct answers to more than 85% of the knowledge questions on the survey. The reasons most frequently reported for declining vaccination were doubts about the risk of influenza and the need for vaccination, concerns about vaccine effectiveness and side effects, and dislike of injections.


CONCLUSIONS
RNs exposed to a longstanding, multifaceted educational program had received information about influenza vaccination, but misconceptions were common and only 331 (64.5%) intended to receive vaccination. Strategies other than educational interventions are needed to increase influenza vaccination rates and thereby to ensure healthcare worker and patient safety.
Ofstead
Cori L
CL
Mayo Clinic Vaccine Research Group, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Tucker
Sharon J
SJ
Beebe
Timothy J
TJ
Poland
Gregory A
GA
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making / Q000502:physiology*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000078329:Workforce
D007252:Influenza Vaccines