Factors associated with uptake of pandemic influenza  vaccine among general practitioners and practice nurses in  Shropshire, UK.
BACKGROUND
At the time of the 2009-10 influenza pandemic there was considerable unease about vaccination. Early surveys suggested  that the intention to be vaccinated amongst healthcare workers was low.


OBJECTIVE
To determine what influenced vaccination uptake among general practice healthcare workers in Shropshire County Primary Care  Trust in the UK.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey was distributed to all frontline healthcare workers in Shropshire County's general practices in June  2010. All 45 practices participated. Questionnaires were distributed by practice managers to frontline staff and returned by post. Practices  with the lowest return rates were reminded by telephone after 3 months.


RESULTS
205 valid replies were received, giving a response rate of 48.0%. 10.0% reported being infected with the pandemic H1N1 strain  by the time they received the questionnaire. 172 (83.9%) respondents reported that they had been vaccinated against H1N1. Influenza  infection prior to vaccination had a negative impact on uptake (adjusted OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.56) and previous vaccination against  seasonal influenza was associated with increased uptake (adjusted OR 4.07, 95% CI 1.62 to 10.24). Those who received the pandemic  vaccine were seven times more likely to accept future vaccines (adjusted OR 7.04, 95% CI 2.70 to 18.37).


CONCLUSIONS
Vaccination uptake was significantly higher than the national (40.3%), regional (40.9%), and county averages (49.3%).  Motivation for and against vaccination was very similar to that for seasonal vaccination, with previous vaccination having the greatest  influence. Ensuring healthcare workers receive vaccination early in their career is likely to set a precedent for future vaccination. This is  the first detailed study purely in general practice in England.
Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. e.hothersall@dundee.ac.uk
Eleanor J
EJ
Hothersall
Sabrina
S
de Bellis-Ayres
Rachel
R
Jordan
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D058005:General Practitioners; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009726:Nurses; D058873:Pandemics / Q000517:prevention & control; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom
D007252:Influenza Vaccines