ABSTRACT
Introduction: Influenza seasonal infection claims half a million lives in the world every year due to complications. The most effective tool to prevent the seasonal flu infection is with an annual Influenza vaccine. Healthcare workers (HCW) are part of a high-risk occupational category, since they contact directly with flu patients, therefore the vaccination of these workers is paramount. After the breakout of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the prevention of the viral respiratory infections resurfaced to the public attention, including to HCW. The aim of this study is to evaluate the Influenza vaccination coverage of HCW in a general hospital located in Portugal (Centro Hospitalar do Baixo Vouga, Aveiro), in a 9-year timeframe. Material and Methods: This study determined the percentage of our hospital HCW who received the Influenza vaccine by our Occupational Health and Work Medicine Service, from 2012 to 2020. Results and Conclusions: Data shows a record-high vaccination coverage in 2020, the same year which the COVID-19 pandemic reached Portugal. Comparing to the previous year, data shows a 30% increase in the percentage of vaccinated HCW from all types (48,5% vs 37,4%). In comparison to 2019, the percentage of vaccinated nurse practitioners increased 24% (44,9% vs 36,1%) and the percentage of vaccinated physicians increased 46% (64,0% vs 43,9%). Although is not possible to assume causality, this study suggests a correlation between the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in HCW Influenza vaccination coverage of this hospital.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Occupational diseases are annually responsible for the death of approximately 2.0 million people worldwide. Healthcare workers are at higher risk of developing several occupational diseases such as infectious diseases, musculoskeletal disorders and mental distress. This study aims to provide a profile of the main notified occupational diseases and the affected workers in a Portuguese hospital over the last 5 years. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using data from the Occupational Health Service of Centro Hospitalar do Baixo Vouga for the notified occupational diseases in hospital workers between July of 2016 and June of 2021. Results and Conclusions: A total of 355 cases of occupational diseases were notified among hospital workers in these 5 years. Our data showed that COVID-19 infection was the most reported disease since the onset of the current pandemic, with a total of 269 cases, 72 in the year 2020 and 197 in the first semester of 2021. Musculoskeletal disorders were the second most notified group of diseases, representing about 20% of all cases, and the most commonly reported diseases in the pre-pandemic years. Occupational diseases were more prevalent in nurses, followed by hospital aides and physicians. The notification of these diseases was highest among female workers. Ultimately, changes in working conditions and the introduction of new agents may give rise to emerging occupational health risks and diseases. The detection and investigation of these new diseases are essential from a perspective of early recognition and prevention.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Emergency healthcare workers (HCW) are the first point of contact for patients with traumatic injuries and acute illnesses. These professionals are at increased risk for respiratory and blood borne infections, as is the case of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Vaccination is a major tool for preventing HBV infections. The protection provided by the COVID-19 vaccines are yet under evaluation. The objective of this study is to evaluate the HBV and COVID-19 vaccination coverage and the serological hepatitis B immunity among nurse aides working in the emergency department (EM) in a secondary hospital in Portugal. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted by analyzing the Occupational Health Service database of Centro Hospitalar do Baixo Vouga in Aveiro, considering active nurse aides working in the EM in August 2021. Results and Conclusions: Of the total 71 workers included in the study, 61 (85.9%) had completed the vaccination against HBV. From these fully vaccinated HCW, 45 (73.7%) had confirmation of protective Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) levels (>10 mIU/mL) and 11 (18.3%) had unknown HBsAb levels. Regarding COVID-19 vaccination, 68 (95.7%) of the 71 total workers, had complete vaccination. From these, 43 (63.2%) had the last shot more than 6 months ago. Overall, there is a good adherence of nurse aides working in the EM to HBV and COVID-19 vaccination. In what concerns to HBV vaccination, it is important to implement a more robust system to diminish cases of workers only partially vaccinated or with unknown immunity status.