Employee designation and health care worker support of an influenza vaccine mandate at a large pediatric tertiary care hospital.

AIM: Determine predictors of support of a mandatory seasonal influenza vaccine program among health care workers (HCWs). SCOPE: Cross-sectional anonymous survey of 2443 (out of 8093) randomly selected clinical and non-clinical HCWs at a large pediatric network after implementation of a mandatory vaccination program in 2009-10. RESULTS: 1388 HCWs (58.2%) completed the survey and 75.2% of respondents reported agreeing with the new mandatory policy. Most respondents (72%) believed that the policy was coercive but >90% agreed that the policy was important for protecting patients and staff and was part of professional ethical responsibility. When we adjusted for attitudes and beliefs regarding influenza and the mandate, there was no significant difference between clinical and nonclinical staff in their support of the mandate (OR 1.08, 95% C.I. 0.94, 1.26). CONCLUSIONS: Attitudes and beliefs regarding influenza and the mandate may transcend professional role. Targeted outreach activities can capitalize on beliefs regarding patient protection and ethical responsibility.

Duke Scholars

Author Michael Joseph Smith Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases