Open AccessKNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND AWARENESS ABOUT FLU VACCINATION AMONG HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS OF A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE.
Author(s) -
Amruta Dashputra,
R T Badwaik,
Archana S. Borkar,
Amit P. Date
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
paripex indian journal of research
Language(s) - English
DOI - 10.36106/paripex/4203957
Subject(s) - medicine , vaccination , influenza vaccine , immunization , family medicine , health care , transmission (telecommunications) , pandemic , disease , immunology , covid-19 , infectious disease (medical specialty) , engineering , antigen , economics , electrical engineering , economic growth
- Influenza (flu) is a common, highly contagious respiratory disease. Health care professionals (HCPs) are at increased risk of getting infected with this disease. Influenza transmission within health care setting has been widely reported in medical literature. Studies conducted in other countries among HCPs showed poor knowledge and misconceptions about influenza vaccination in participants. This type of study is not found in Indian scenario.Material and Methods- A cross sectional questionnaire based study was conducted at a tertiary health care centre. Study participants were health care providers: doctors and nurses.Results- Majority of participants was not vaccinated against influenza (doctors 83.7%, nurses 88%). Doctors (99%) and nurses (69%) expressed that influenza is caused by virus and it is transmitted by coughing and sneezing Unlike doctors nurses were not aware about availability of vaccine (p<0.002), they had fear of side effects of vaccine (p<0.001); they did not consider flu as a serious infection (p< 0.008).Discussion- Immunization against influenza has been associated with substantial health and economic benefits. Various reasons for not been vaccinated against influenza were stated by doctors and nurses. Influenza vaccine is not included in national immunization schedule like tetanus vaccine and this could also be the reason for low rate of vaccination. Other studies highlighted that low vaccination was because of low vaccine availability and poor knowledge of influenza vaccine and its benefits. Conclusion- Low vaccinations against influenza were found among doctors and nurses. Doctors responded more appropriately regarding influenza symptoms, mode of transmission and about vaccine, route and frequency etc as compared to nurses.