Causes of Non-Vaccination of Influenza in Healthcare Workers at Zanjan Educational Hospitals, Iran

Background: Influenza is an acute respiratory illness that can cause hospitalization, and confers a high mortality rate, especially in high-risk groups. Influenza vaccination for hospital staff can play an effective role in controlling nosocomial flu infections. The purpose of this study was to investigate causes of non-vaccination of influenza in healthcare workers at Zanjan educational hospitals. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted during three months at two Zanjan educational hospitals, Iran. Two hundred and ten workers belonging to the hospital staff were randomly selected. The reasons for not receiving the vaccine and the demographic information of the staff were recorded in a special questionnaire. The questionnaire included demographic information such as: age, gender, occupation, work place, history of Influenza vaccination last year, and reason for non-vaccination of Influenza. Results: Two hundred individuals were enrolled, which included 58% of physicians and 42% of nurses. In the past year, 51% of the subjects have received influenza vaccine. Of these, 45.7% were physicians and 58.3% were nurses. The most common reasons for non-vaccination were: the belief that healthy people do not have the chance of getting the infection (28.6%), forgetfulness (24.5%), lack of adequate information and fear of complications from the vaccine (14.3%). Conclusion: The status of influenza vaccination in the staff of these hospitals was relatively acceptable (51% of the subjects were vaccinated); however, it has not yet reached the ideal. According to the results, the most common reasons for non-vaccination were: wrong thinking about getting the infection, forgetfulness, and fear of complications.