The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Influenza vaccination coverage of healthcare workers in a portuguese general hospital: a 9-year study comparison

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.