Abstract
Background: Influenza (flu) is a contagious illness that can cause morbidity and mortality among patients. Influenza can rapidly spread among health care workers (HCWs). Therefore, Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for healthcare workers (HCWs). However, the rate of influenza vaccination among HCWs is known to be low and may be due to misconceptions about influenza vaccination.
Aim: To identify the awareness, knowledge, and attitude towards influenza immunization among Health Care Professionals’.
Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at Security Forces Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.350 anonymous questionnaires were distributed to physicians and nurses during the 2017–2018 influenza season.
Results: A total of 350 survey sheets were distributed and 303 (86.6%) were completed. Of the total respondents, 127 (41.9%) were physicians, 176 (58.1%) were nurses, The overall influenza vaccination rate was 40% in physicians, and 60% in nurses. The most common reasons given by physicians and nurses for not getting vaccinated was not everyone is familiar with influenza vaccination. In addition, fear of its adverse effects and safety concerns to get vaccinated for influenza. Almost 60 % of physicians and nurses were aware of effectiveness of vaccine in disease prevention.
Conclusion: The rate of influenza vaccination among HCWs was low at our hospital and familiar with influenza vaccination were the most common reason for not having the vaccine among the healthcare workers.
Keywords: Influenza vaccine, Knowledge, Attitude, Health care workers.
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Corresponding Author
Dr Nasser AL-Mazariqah
Family and Community Department, Security Forces Hospital Program (SFHP)
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i10.40
