Justification:

Immunization programs for health personnel represent a priority in public health as a prevention strategy. The programs have multiple purposes, which encompass the protection of patients and the officials themselves and result in a clear benefit for the employer. The annual vaccination against influenza in health care professionals represents a key measure to prevent institutional transmission of the virus. Despite efforts realized to increase immunization coverage rates in this sector, rejection of immunoprophylaxis by employees still exists mostly due to individual doubts. The aim of this study was to investigate the personal, social and work related factors that led to the rejection or acceptance of the influenza vaccine during the 2016 immunization campaign.

Methods:

To identify the general perception and factors which caused abstention related to vaccination against influenza, an anonymous and voluntary survey was conducted on nursing staff of the Dr. Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia Hospital subsequently to the 2016 influenza immunization campaign.

Results:

Lack of information and misconceptions regarding immunizations were identified as predominant factors associated with the rejection of influenza vaccination. Many unvaccinated individuals had risk factors to develop serious illness due to influenza and worked with patients vulnerable to infections.

Conclusions:

Supporting and intensifying of campaigns focused in the educational work realized by local immunization committees are necessary to elevate vaccination rates of health personnel. A mandatory immunization strategy against influenza may increase the number of vaccinated workers and thereby reduce cases of infection.