Incidence of Influenza Virus Infection among Wroclaw's Healthcare Workers in Pre-COVID-19 2019-2020 Influenza Season Using Novel Flu SensDx Device.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are more exposed to influenza infection, and the influenza vaccination is recommended each year, to reduce the risk of influenza infection and prevent influenza transmission. This study is a cross-sectional study and the objectives were to determine the rate of influenza virus infection among HCWs in the 2019-2020 influenza season. METHODS: Between January and March 2020, a survey was carried out in 2 hospitals and 15 primary health-care settings (PHCS) in Wroclaw (Poland). The novel point-of-care testing Flu SensDx device was used, which detects the M1 protein of the influenza virus using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy from biological material (throat/nasal swabs). RESULTS: A total of 150 samples were collected. The majority of participating HCWs by profession were 83 physicians (55.3%) and half (51.3%) of the participating HCWs worked in PHCS. Influenza vaccination coverage was 61.3% in 2019-2020 and 46.0% in the 2018-2019 season for all participants. Of the participating HCWs, 44.0% were positive tested by the Flu SensDx device. There were no statistically significant differences among the positive tested HCWs, their influenza immunization history, and the presence of symptoms of influenza-like illness (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the results of the present study suggest that influenza vaccination does not reduce the frequency of influenza virus detection by Flu SensDx testing in the HCWs participants, larger studies are needed to estimate the incidence of influenza virus infection among HCWs to understand the underlying mechanism and fine-tune policies aimed at reducing nosocomial infections.

Influenza Vaccination Coverage, Motivators for, and Barriers to Influenza Vaccination among Healthcare Workers in Wroclaw, Poland.

BACKGROUND: Influenza vaccination, as a key element of control activities intended to prevent nosocomial influenza transmission, is recommended each year for all healthcare workers (HCWs). The objectives were to determine the rate of influenza vaccination and to identify reasons for receiving or declining the influenza vaccine among HCWs in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 influenza seasons. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional observational study carried out between January and March 2020, in 2 hospitals and 15 primary health-care settings (PHCS) in Wroclaw (Poland). RESULTS: A total of 165 questionnaires were completed. The majority of participating HCWs were female-137 (83.0%), and, by profession, the majority were physicians 92 (55.8%). Influenza vaccination coverage was 61.2% in 2019/20, and 47.9% in the 2018/19 season for all participants. Participants who were male, physicians and personnel from PHCS were more frequently vaccinated in both seasons. According to the statistical analysis, physicians were more likely to receive vaccinations than nurses (p < 0.01), as were HCWs who had been vaccinated in the previous season (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The identified barriers were mainly caused by misconceptions (fear of vaccine adverse effects and perception of not being at risk/no need to get vaccinated) and an organizational barriers (lack of time). These findings may prove useful for designing immunization campaigns to tailor strategies to reach specific groups.