Influenza Vaccination Campaign during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Experience of a Research and Teaching Hospital in Milan.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
; 18(11)2021 May 30.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1256528
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, more than ever, optimal influenza vaccination coverage among healthcare workers (HCWs) is crucial to avoid absenteeism and disruption of health services, as well as in-hospital influenza outbreaks. The aim of this study is to analyze the 2020 influenza vaccination campaign, comparing it with the previous year's in a research and teaching hospital in Northern Italy.METHODS:
adopting an approach based on combined strategies, three interventions were deployed a promotional and educational campaign, vaccination delivery through both ad hoc and on-site ambulatories, and a gaming strategy. Personal data and professional categories were collected and analyzed using univariate logistic regression. Vaccinated HCWs were asked to fill in a questionnaire to describe their reasons for vaccination adherence.RESULTS:
the vaccination coverage rate (VCR) was 43.1%, compared to 21.5% in 2019. The highest increase was registered among administrative staff (308.3%), while physicians represent the most vaccinated category (n = 600). Moreover, residents (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.12; 95% CI 1.04-1.20), as well as intensive care (PR 1.44; 95% CI 1.24-1.69) and newborn workers (PR 1.41; 95% CI 1.20-1.65) were, respectively, the categories most frequently vaccinated for the first time.CONCLUSION:
the significant increase in vaccination coverage rate confirms the suitability of the combined strategy of delivering the flu vaccination campaign and represents a first step towards reaching WHO recommended vaccination rates.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Influenza Vaccines
/
Influenza, Human
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Topics:
Vaccines
Limits:
Humans
/
Infant, Newborn
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
English
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Ijerph18115874
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