Influenza vaccination coverage among hospital personnel over three consecutive vaccination campaigns (2001–2002 to 2003–2004)

This study was carried out to assess influenza vaccination coverage among hospital personnel and the impact of health promotion campaigns, within the hospital, designed to increase vaccination coverage over three consecutive vaccination campaigns (2001–2002 to 2003–2004). The health promotion tool used in the 2001–2002 and 2002–2003 were informative posters distributed throughout the hospital. In the 2003–2004 season, the recommendation was also published in the internal bulletin and Web site of the hospital. In addition, a physician and a nurse from the Department of Preventive Medicine visited all departments offering vaccination in the work place. The overall vaccination coverage in the 2001–2002 campaign was 16% with coverage of 11.5% in nurses and 15% in physicians. In the 2002–2003 and 2003–2004 campaigns the overall vaccination coverage was 21% and 40%, respectively (p < 0.01). Staff physicians and resident physicians reached 60 and 42% coverage rates in the 2003–2004 campaign, but coverage in nurses and nursing assistant remained around 30% (p < 0.01). In summary, influenza vaccination coverage among hospital based healthcare personnel increased significantly during the last three seasons, however, it still remains low despite active attempts at promoting influenza vaccination.