title: Influenza vaccination of future healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study of uptake, knowledge and attitudes.
abstract: Promotional campaigns recommend immunisation against influenza in healthcare workers (HCWs) but the uptake in this group remains low. We conducted a survey study during the 2008-2009 influenza vaccination period amongst future HCWs to quantify uptake and identify barriers to immunisation. Overall uptake was 8.0% (95% CI 5.9-10.8%), which is lower than the uptake amongst current HCWs (13.4%) and short of current government targets (75%). Knowledge about influenza was good but insufficient to encourage HCWs to get vaccinated. Promotional campaigns are needed that emphasise the role of vaccination in personal and patient protection.
authors.affiliation: Medical School, University of Birmingham, Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom. dlb628@bham.ac.uk
authors.forename: Debra L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Blank
authors.forename: David M S
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Bodansky
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Forbes
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Garde
authors.forename: Fleur
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Story
authors.forename: Andrea K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Roalfe
authors.forename: Lynda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tait
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult