Assessment of healthcare worker influenza vaccination program in French geriatric wards: a cluster-randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
The French institute for study of geriatric infection risk (ORIG) has run a multiphase multicenter study (VESTA) to develop and implement active programs promoting healthcare worker (HCW) influenza vaccination. The present article reports results after implementation of the first active program.


METHODS
A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted from December 1 to December 15, 2005, and a total of 43 geriatric wards (3646 HCWs) were randomly assigned to two clusters. The program cluster (24 wards; 1918 HCWs) received the active program whereas no action was taken in the control cluster (19 wards; 1728 HCWs). The program was educational; its objective was to convince HCWs to be vaccinated by giving them topdown scientific information and developing a sense of altruism. Data from 1201 HCWs (63%) from the program cluster and 1144 HCWs (66%) from the control cluster were collected.


RESULTS
The program failed to increase the HCW influenza vaccination rate (program: 34%; control: 32%; p>0.05), but won the faithfulness of vaccinated HCWs (5% vs 8% HCWs quitted vaccination; p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Resistance to active influenza vaccination programs was found. Future active programs will have to restore a climate of confidence between sources of knowledge and HCWs and promote "self-protection" in contrast with the protection of elderly people.
Rothan-Tondeur
Monique
M
ORIG, Charles Foix Hospital, Ivry sur Seine, France.
Filali-Zegzouti
Younès
Y
Belmin
Joël
J
Lejeune
Benoist
B
Golmard
Jean-Louis
JL
de Wazières
Benoît
B
Carrat
Fabrice
F
Piette
François
F
Mouala
Christian
C
Gavazzi
Gaëtan
G
D005602:France; D005853:Geriatrics; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D045808:Refusal to Participate; D014611:Vaccination / Q000523:psychology*
D007252:Influenza Vaccines