Influenza immunization coverage for healthcare workers in a community hospital in Qatar (2011–2012 and 2012–2013 seasons)

• Published in: Journal of infection and public health Vol. 7; no. 1; pp. 70 - 72
• Main Authors: Garcell, Humberto Guanche, Ramirez, Eduardo Crespo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Cross Infection - prevention & control; Female; Health Personnel; Healthcare workers; Hospitals, Community; Human viral diseases; Humans; Immunization - utilization; Immunization coverage; Infectious Disease; Infectious diseases; Influenza; Influenza Vaccines - administration & dosage; Influenza, Human - prevention & control; Internal Medicine; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Qatar; Viral diseases; Viral diseases of the respiratory system and ent viral diseases; Asia; Qatar; Healthcare workers; Immunization coverage; Influenza; Qatar; Infection; Vaccination coverage; Viral disease; Health care staff; Hospital
• ISSN: 1876-0341; 1876-035X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2013.06.007

Summary Influenza vaccination is recommended for all healthcare workers (HCW) to prevent transmission within healthcare facilities. We conducted a descriptive study on influenza vaccination coverage during 2011–2012 and 2012–2013 campaigns in a community hospital in Qatar. 61.7% of the HCW were immunized in the first campaign, with an increase of up to 71.1% ( p < 0.05) in the second one, which was mainly due to better compliance of doctors (46.9% and 69.2%, respectively). Our results show proper coverage rates according US standards and highlight the need to implement additional strategies to improve health workers adherence of influenza, vaccination.