How beliefs about influenza vaccine influence primary care doctors and nurses vaccine coverage and that of their patients

Objective: To assess the relationship of beliefs and experiences of family physicians and nurses about Influenza vaccination and their vaccination rate (VR), as well as to assess the relationship of these factors and vaccination rates of their patients (PVR). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 15 health centers in Majorca (Spain). Family doctors and nurses from the health centers participated. The questionnaires were self-completed and included sociodemographic variables, RV and PVR of the professionals, as well as questions about beliefs and experiences with influenza disease and about influenza vaccination. Results: 129 of 297 subjects answered the questionnaire; 82 were doctors (63.6%). Seventy one (55.0%) declared to be vaccinated. Those not vaccinated declared more experiences with adverse effects in patients 21.8% vs. 7.4% (P=0.020). Also, they showed higher level of disagreement about vaccine effectiveness, concern about getting the influenza disease or to transmit influenza to their patients. We did not find an association between the PVR in any group of patients and the VR of doctors and nurses. No association was identified between PVR and health professional's beliefs and experiences about influenza and its vaccine. Conclusions: The experience with adverse effects of influenza vaccination in their patients, hesitancy about vaccine effectiveness and low worry about getting influenza were related with low rates of vaccination among doctors and nurses. Primary care professionals' VR do not have a significant impact on their patients' influenza PVR nor their experiences and beliefs about influenza and its vaccine.