Vaccinations Among Healthcare Workers in French Healthcare Facilities, 2009. Vaccination Coverage, Knowledge, and Perceptions Regarding Vaccinations. Final Report
Although vaccination recommendations apply to healthcare professionals in France, there are no national vaccination coverage (VC) data for this population. We conducted a survey to measure vaccination coverage and knowledge of these vaccinations among key healthcare professionals working in healthcare facilities in metropolitan France. We carried out a cross-sectional survey using a two-stage, stratified random sampling method. In the first stage, 35 facilities were selected from 5 strata defined by facility type. In the second stage, 1,127 individuals were selected across four professions and three sectors of activity. Data collection was conducted via face-to-face interviews, supplemented by data collected from occupational physicians. In total, 183 physicians, 110 nurses, 58 midwives, and 101 nursing assistants were included. Vaccination coverage rates for mandatory vaccinations were 91.7% for hepatitis B, 95.5% for the DTP booster, and 94.9% for BCG. For recommended vaccinations, vaccination coverage was 11.4% for the 10-year dTP booster including the pertussis component, 49.7% for at least one dose of measles vaccine, 29.9% for varicella, and 25.6% for influenza. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage was no different in surgery compared to other sectors and among surgeons and anesthesiologists compared to physicians. Younger healthcare workers were better vaccinated against pertussis and measles; those working in pediatrics and maternity care were better vaccinated against influenza and pertussis. Regarding knowledge of these vaccinations, a small proportion of professionals (<10%, except for influenza: 29.8%) were able to name the recommended vaccinations and classify them as such. Except for influenza (<5%), these professionals generally did not know their vaccination status (pertussis: 21.3%; measles: 37.4%; varicella: 61.4%). More than half (57% to 62.1% depending on the vaccine) believed that the recommended vaccinations were specifically justified for healthcare professionals. The diseases covered by these vaccines were generally considered mild or not very serious (ranging from 55.5% for pertussis to 73.3% for influenza). Healthcare workers are generally well covered by mandatory vaccinations, but very inadequately covered by recommended vaccinations. It is necessary to strengthen vaccination policies regarding the latter in order to improve coverage and healthcare professionals’ knowledge of recommended vaccinations. (R.A.)
Author(s): Guthmann JP, Abiteboul D
Publishing year: 2011
Pages: 76 p.
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