ABSTRACT
Introduction: Healthcare workers are a target category for many vaccinations since they have an increased risk to contract and transmit communicable diseases to patients. The aim was to evaluate intentions to be vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 in a population of nursing students and to compare the reasons for or against adherence to these vaccinations. Material and Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted among 422 nursing students to collect data on demographic characteristics, vaccine attitudes, and specific reasons for intentions to be vaccinated or not for flu and COVID-19. Results: About 70% and 81% students declared their intention to be vaccinated against flu and COVID-19, respectively. The participants’ main reasons for supporting flu vaccination were to protect oneself (87%) and to protect patients (73%), whereas for supporting COVID-19 vaccination the main reasons were to protect family and friends (95%) and to protect oneself (88%). Conversely, among participants who were opposed to receiving the flu vaccine, the main reasons were the opinion that the vaccine has suboptimal protective efficacy (24%) and the lack of information about the vaccination (22%). Considering the COVID-19 vaccine, the main reasons against it were the fear of adverse events (58%) and the lack of information about the vaccination (43%). Conclusions: The lack of information was one of the main reasons for opposing vaccinations. It is fundamental to consider vaccine hesitancy reasons in healthcare students and face it properly, since they will have to provide recommendations to patients and promote adherence to vaccination programs.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In next fall and winter, SARS-CoV-2 could circulate in parallel with seasonal influenza. The dual epidemics will result in considerable morbidity and mortality; therefore, influenza vaccination may be essential. Recent studies found increased risk of coronavirus in individuals receiving influenza vaccination. AIMS: Our aim is to analyse the association between influenza vaccination and COVID-19 in a population of healthcare workers (HCWs). METHODS: IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 3520 HCWs at a large hospital in Northern Italy. For each participant, we collected data on flu immunization status for the last five flu seasons. Logistic regression was used to test associations between seasonal flu vaccination status and a positive serology tests for COVID-19. RESULTS: During the last five flu seasons, 2492 vaccinations were administered. Serology tests were negative for 3196 (91%) HCWs and residents and only 21 (1%) people had an equivocal test (12.0-15.0 AU/mL). Only 128 (4%) people received a diagnosis of COVID-19, with a positive swab test. No flu vaccinations for the last five flu seasons were specifically associated with diagnosis of COVID-19 or with positive results of serology tests. CONCLUSIONS: Flu vaccinations did not appear to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Influenza vaccination should continue to be recommended for HCWs and for individuals at increased risk for severe illness from respiratory infection.