Improving influenza vaccination rates of healthcare workers: a multipronged approach in Qatar

ABSTRACT

We assessed whether an influenza vaccination [IV] campaign was effective at increasing vaccination rate in healthcare workers [HCWs] in 2 hospitals in Doha, Qatar that had no mandatory IV policy. The campaign comprised promotional, educational and vaccine delivery interventions; a dedicated IV team; telephone hotline; free IV with improved access, leadership involvement; incentives; group educational sessions; and reporting/tracking activities. During the 2014/15 influenza season, IV rates according to hospital and HCW category were calculated and compared with the 2 seasons before the intervention. The combined mean rate for IV for both hospitals increased for 2014/15 [64.3%] compared with 2013/14 [37.2%] and 2012/13 [28.4%]. There was increased IV uptake among doctors and nurses at each hospital, and the IV rate for the 2 hospitals [59.1 and 69.5%] were higher than in 2013/14 [21.1% and 53.2%] and 2012/13 [17.2% and 39.6%]. The findings highlight the importance of improving IV rates among HCWs in hospitals with no mandatory vaccination policies through multicomponent interventions: