Influenza Vaccination in Coronavirus Times: Intention to Be Vaccinated by Primary Care Professionals in Central Catalonia (VAGCOVID) (preprint)

ABSTRACT

BackgroundInfluenza vaccination is the main measure of prevention against the epidemic flu, which annually produces a significant increase in the pressure on healthcare systems, in addition to influencing the absenteeism of health workers. Although it is recommended that health professionals be vaccinated, their vaccination coverage is low. The lack of knowledge about the evolution of influenza in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic led to the continued recommendation of influenza vaccination to people at risk and to professionals. The aim of the study is to determine the intention to vaccinate against seasonal flu of health professionals in the 2020-21 campaign in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and to analyse the factors that influence it.MethodsCross-sectional study through a structured online survey aimed at Primary Care professionals in the region of central Catalonia.ResultsA total of 610 participants responded to the survey, 65.7% of whom intended to be vaccinated against the flu in this campaign and 11.1% did not yet know or did not answer. The intention to be vaccinated against flu is associated with the professional category, the years of professional practice, the fact of making face-to-face guards, and the perception of the risk of suffering from flu. It is also related to a history of influenza vaccination in the previous year and to having been vaccinated on another occasion. The profile of professionals who intend to be vaccinated against flu includes professionals with a history of vaccination, who were on duty and perceived that their staff were at risk of becoming ill with flu.ConclusionsDuring the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, many professionals show a clear intention to get vaccinated against the flu, but there are still some who doubt it. In order to improve influenza vaccination coverage among health professionals, it is necessary to design strategies aimed at professionals who are hesitant or reluctant to vaccination.