Changes in the attitude of health care professionals towards influenza vaccination after the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective

To analyse the attitude of health professionals towards influenza vaccination before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to identify differences between them and with respect to sociodemographic and occupational variables.

Methods

Cross-sectional descriptive study comparing the results of the 2017−2018 and 2020−2021 influenza vaccination campaigns. Sociodemographic, occupational, and vaccination-related variables were collected. A descriptive and bivariate analysis were performed, as well as a binary logistic regression model.

Results

A total of 973 health professionals participated, with an average age of 41,13 (SD 11,16), showing a higher prevalence of vaccination during the 2020−2021 season (OR = 1,04; IC 95% 1,03−1,05; P < ,001). The percentage of men who were vaccinated was higher in the 2020−2021 campaign (P = .02), in which a greater number of professionals with a non-stable contract (P < .001) and lower mean age (P = .03) were also vaccinated. There were multiple statistical differences when comparing the reasons for accepting or refusing the vaccine, with more people being more likely to be vaccinated during the pandemic if there was a favourable atmosphere in the work or family environment (P < .001).

Conclusions

Health professionals’ attitude towards influenza vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic showed better results than the previous campaign, with a higher number of professionals vaccinated and a better perception of immunisation. Differences were also found between the campaigns and socio-demographic variables (sex, age, and type of employment contract).

Resumen

Objetivo

Analizar la actitud de los profesionales sanitarios frente a la vacunación antigripal antes y durante la pandemia por COVID-19, e identificar diferencias respecto a variables sociodemográficas y laborales.

Métodos

Estudio descriptivo transversal en el que se comparan los resultados de las campañas de vacunación antigripal de 2017−2018 y 2020−2021. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, laborales y relacionadas con la vacunación. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo, bivariante y regresión logística binaria para comparar las 2 campañas.

Resultados

Participaron 973 profesionales sanitarios con media de edad de 41,13 años (DE 11,16), mostrando superior prevalencia de vacunación durante la temporada 2020−2021 frente a la 2017−2018 (OR = 1,04; IC 95% 1,03−1,05; P < ,001). El porcentaje de hombres que se vacunaron fue mayor en la campaña 2020−2021 (P = ,02), en la que también lo hicieron mayor número de profesionales con contrato no estable (P < ,001) y menor media de edad (P = ,03). Los profesionales fueron más perceptivos a vacunarse durante la pandemia si existía un ambiente favorable en el entorno laboral o familiar (P < ,001).

Conclusiones

La actitud de los profesionales sanitarios frente a la vacunación antigripal durante la pandemia por COVID-19 demostró mejores resultados que la campaña previa, con mayor número de profesionales vacunados y mejor percepción de la inmunización. Existieron diferencias entre las campañas y variables sociodemográficas (sexo, edad y tipo de contrato laboral).