Journal of Vaccines & Vaccination

Vaccination uptake among healthcare workers in the institute for student healthcare of Novi Sad during a five year period

10^th Euro Global Summit and Expo on Vaccines & Vaccination

June 16-18, 2016 Rome, Italy

Vladana Stefanovic, Olja Niciforovic-Surkovic, Mario Kirsek and Svetlana Stefanovic

Institute for Student Healthcare of Novi Sad, Serbia
Institute for Public Health of Vojvodina, Serbia
University of Novi Sad, Serbia

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Vaccines Vaccin

Abstract:

Background: The efficiency of seasonal flu vaccination has been confirmed in a large number of studies. It is very important to stress the fact that influenza infects ~25% of unvaccinated healthcare workers (HCW). Up to 75% of HCW suffering from flu like illness continue working. Infected HCWs transmit the infection to their patients and unvaccinated colleagues. Although it has become a routine to use personal protection against influenza during everyday work, such as hand sanitizer, masks, face shields and goggles, the most important measure of prevention and protection is immunization. Since 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended vaccination of all HCWs worldwide to protect staff and prevent potential transmission to their patients. Surveys indicate that 88% of countries recommended annual HCW seasonal flue vaccination and 61% supported this recommendation financially. Despite the recommendation, uptake of the vaccine by HCWs remains low. Aim: Aim of our study was to determine the seasonal flue vaccination uptake among HCW in the Institute for Student Healthcare of Novi Sad, City of Novi Sad, Serbia. Material & Methods: Prospective study started in the season 2010-2011 by collecting data on seasonal flue vaccination uptake among HCW in the Institute for Student Healthcare of Novi Sad during a five year period. Study included 72 HCW (23 medical doctors, 5 dentists, 31 nurses/medical technicians, 1 healthcare associate and 12 administrative and technical staff). Vaccination season in Serbia lasts from October to March. The results were statistically analyzed using the SPSS 20. Results: In the 2010-2011 flue vaccination season 8.33% of HCW in the Institute for Student Healthcare of Novi Sad were vaccinated against seasonal flue; in 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 uptakes among HCW was 1.39%; in 2013-2014 uptake was 4.16% and during 2014-2015 uptake was 1.39%. Conclusions: Seasonal flue vaccination during a five year period in the Institute for Student Healthcare shows low levels of vaccination uptake among HCW. The highest rate of vaccination uptake was during the 2010-2011 season. The critical role of healthcare professionals in the implementation of vaccination programs can be enhanced through evidence based interventions using, among others, specific health education, information and by setting concrete influenza vaccination goals. Individuals and healthcare workers should be able to access, appraise and effectively use health related information. Annual vaccination campaigns have the potential to build awareness, motivate the public and ultimately to achieve high vaccination coverage.

Biography :

Email: vladana.s@live.com