Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To establish uptake of influenza vaccine amongst care home clinical staff in Greater Nottingham, and to investigate what could be done to improve vaccine uptake in this group.

STUDY DESIGN:

Postal questionnaire surveys were used. In the first instance, a total sample survey was used. In the second instance, a sample of care home staff was surveyed, randomized at the care home level.

METHODS:

A postal questionnaire completed by care home matrons was used to obtain a preliminary estimate of staff vaccine uptake. Individual staff questionnaires were then used to validate this finding, and measure attitudes, beliefs and behaviours associated with vaccination.

RESULTS:

Vaccine uptake among those working in care homes with nursing was found to be low. Vaccine uptake was higher in homes with a policy recommending vaccination of staff. Most respondents who had received vaccination reported that they had done so because of an existing medical condition, rather than because of being a healthcare worker. A statistically significant relationship (P=0.02) was found between individuals' reported beliefs on how well they could resist influenza and their vaccination status.

CONCLUSIONS:

All care homes for the elderly should have a vaccination policy which recommends staff vaccination. Educational campaigns, vaccination in the workplace and free provision of the influenza vaccine may help to improve vaccine uptake in this group.