title: Nurses' experiences of the seasonal influenza vaccine in residential care.
abstract: The experience of nurses who work in the residential elderly care setting regarding the seasonal influenza vaccine is often overlooked, with a paucity of published qualitative studies. The aim of this study is to present an insight into the issues concerning nurses with regard to the seasonal influenza vaccine. The study purposively sampled registered nurses (n=11) working in a large long-term care facility for older people (n=142) in Ireland. Using a broad qualitative research approach, data were collected through interviews, transcribed, analysed and grouped into the following themes: knowing: the seasonal influenza vaccine; mandatory vaccination: balancing autonomy and control; and meaningful education. This study reveals the complexity of issues and concerns for nurses when it comes to the seasonal influenza vaccine. These issues and concerns include influences such as family, friends, peers, the media and how nurses inform themselves. The position of nurses within the organisation and recommendations for meaningful nurse education are also discussed. The findings of this study provide an insight that could inform future influenza policy and education, which should be explored before the introduction of any mandatory influenza campaigns.
authors.affiliation: Infection Prevention & Control Manager, Mid West Primary, Community and Continuing Care, Ireland.
authors.forename: Gemma
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Quinn
mesh_terms: D000041:Absenteeism; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D017757:Infectious Disease Transmission, Professional-to-Patient / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007494:Ireland; D037141:Mandatory Programs; D009726:Nurses; D009735:Nursing Homes; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012621:Seasons
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines
keywords: Older people; Public health; Qualitative research; Residential care; Vaccination