In the USA, more than 36 000 deaths and 114 000 hospitalisations result from the influenza virus annually. Healthcare workers have been identified as a key source of influenza outbreaks. Despite Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to vaccinate all healthcare workers, the rate remains low. A survey-based investigation of influenza vaccination rates and related factors was carried out in an urban community teaching medical centre. A total of 570 surveys revealed a 56.5% influenza vaccination rate among participants. Participants who received the vaccine had a significantly higher mean influenza knowledge score compared to those who did not receive the vaccine (P=0.003). Also, a relationship was identified between those who received the vaccine and the perception that the purpose of the vaccine is to prevent patients from being exposed to influenza (P=0.001). Lastly, hospital departments in which managers actively encouraged and facilitated vaccination had higher rates in general.