Influenza vaccination among healthcare workers and absenteeism from work due to influenza-like illness in a teaching hospital in Palermo

Authors

  • Emanuele Amodio Department for Sciences of Health Promotion “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Italy
  • Giovanna Anastasi Department for Sciences of Health Promotion “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Italy
  • Maria Di Pasquale Department for Sciences of Health Promotion “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Italy
  • Viviana Gelsomino Department for Sciences of Health Promotion “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Italy
  • Mariagrazia Morici Department for Sciences of Health Promotion “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Italy
  • Nino Romano Department for Sciences of Health Promotion “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Italy
  • Maria Valeria Torregrossa epartment for Sciences of Health Promotion “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Italy; Hospital Management of the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico “Paolo Giaccone” of Palermo (AOUP), Italy
  • Lucia Cannova Department for Sciences of Health Promotion “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Italy; Hospital Management of the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico “Paolo Giaccone” of Palermo (AOUP), Italy
  • Giuseppe Calamusa Department for Sciences of Health Promotion “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Italy
  • Alberto Firenze Department for Sciences of Health Promotion “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Italy; Hospital Management of the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico “Paolo Giaccone” of Palermo (AOUP), Italy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2427/5715

Keywords:

influenza, vaccination, healthcare workers

Abstract

Background: Annual flu vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) is recommended worldwide as the best
way to prevent influenza and to avoid its transmission. However, in several European Countries, vaccination
rate among HCWs is still less than 25%. The aim of this study was to determine the HCW vaccination coverage
during a three year period in a large University Hospital, identifying socio-demographic and occupational
variables involved in the decision to accept influenza vaccination. Moreover, for the 2007-2008 season, we
also assessed the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in reducing influenza-related absenteeism.
Methods: During three consecutive influenza seasons (from 2005-2006 to 2007-2008), a cross-sectional
study was carried out on all HCWs employed in the “Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico” (AOUP)
of Palermo (Italy). Socio-demographic and occupational data of HCWs were collected from administrative
hospital personnel records and included gender, age, birthplace, residence, profession and the workplace
unit. In addition, during the 2007-2008 season, a retrospective study was conducted to evaluate absence
from work due to influenza–like illness (ILI) in vaccinated versus unvaccinated personnel.
Results: A total of 7,848 HCW-years were observed and 881 vaccines were administered during the study
period. Vaccination rate declined from 14.7% in 2005-2006 to 8.2% in 2007-2008 (Chi-square for trend=53.6,
p<0.001). Coverage was generally higher among older and male HCWs whereas nurses and workers in
surgical areas had lower vaccination rates. In the 2007-2008 season, absenteeism due to ILI in the vaccinated
group was significantly less common than unvaccinated HCWs (3.3% vs 7.1%; p=0.04).
Conclusions: Our experience encourages flu vaccination of HCWs and accentuates the importance of annual
influenza vaccination programs for healthcare personnel.

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Published

2010-09-30

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 3 (2010)

Section

Free Papers