Determinants of influenza and COVID vaccine uptake in healthcare workers: A cross-sectional survey during the post-pandemic era in a network of academic hospitals in France.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Although influenza and COVID vaccines are recommended for healthcare workers (HCWs), vaccine coverage is sub-optimal for influenza in this population, and the situation did not improve during the COVID pandemic. We aimed to estimate influenza and COVID vaccine coverage among HCWs and their determinants after the COVID pandemic. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study between May and July 2023 among HCWs to estimate influenza and COVID vaccination coverage during the 2022-2023 season, and its determinants, using a web-based anonymous questionnaire. We performed a multivariable regression analysis to assess factors associated with vaccine uptake. RESULTS: Of the 9158 HCWs invited to participate, 1587 (16 %) completed the questionnaire, primarily paramedics (n = 479, 30 %), medics (n = 310, 20 %), administrative staff (n = 249, 16 %), and nurse assistants (n = 237, 15 %). Vaccine coverage during the 2022-2023 season was estimated at 64 % [CI95 % 61-66] for influenza, and 42 % [CI95% 39-44] for COVID. Vaccinated HCWs reported adverse events rates of 8 % (n = 122) after influenza, and 37 % (n = 579) after COVID vaccines. On multivariable analysis, being a medic or over 40 years old was associated with both influenza and COVID vaccine uptake. Suggested interventions to boost vaccine uptake were primarily to facilitate access to vaccination in the workplace, and to better inform HCWs on the risks and benefits of these vaccines. CONCLUSIONS: Easy access to COVID and influenza vaccines in the workplace, and better information about their benefits, may improve their uptake. Future vaccination campaigns should communicate more about potential adverse effects, and effectiveness.