Hindering factors of pneumococcal vaccination: a survey among an Italian university hospital staff

Abstract Background The pneumococcal vaccination targets individuals aged over 65 and people with chronic conditions. Data on vaccination coverage among healthcare workers are generally lacking. Our goal is to assess the knowledge and behaviors of a sample of Italian healthcare workers and administrative staff to understand barriers to pneumococcal vaccination like vaccine hesitancy. Methods From February to May 2024, an anonymous online validated questionnaire was administered to a sample of Italian healthcare workers and administrative staff at the Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli in Rome. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses are performed using the STATA 16 software. Results 1042 participants completed the questionnaire. Preliminary descriptive analysis shows that the majority are women (69.4%). 20.5% of respondents are medical doctors, 23.3% administrative staff, 39.6% nurses or obstetricians, 1.6% rehabilitative healthcare professionals, 5.7% technical healthcare professionals and 4.1% preventive healthcare professionals. 27.8% among healthcare workers and 28.11% among administrative staff suffer from chronic illnesses. 27.6% of respondents are unaware of the health effects caused by acquiring pneumococcal infection. Although initial inferential analyses seem to show a generally positive trend regarding vaccine awareness, some categories appear to demonstrate a potential underestimation of the importance of vaccination against the spread of infectious diseases. It even appears that some of the interviewees consider the complications of the disease less serious than the risk of severe adverse effects of vaccines. Conclusions Although further analysis is needed, preliminary results seem to highlight some knowledge gap that could lead to a certain degree of vaccine hesitancy among partecipants. In this case, it would be crucial to promote educational activities that increase hospital staff’s vaccine adhesion in order to improve their health and the patients’one. Key messages • A pneumococcal vaccine hesitancy rate may exists among an Italian university hospital staff. • It is crucial to boost healthcare workers’ awareness and knowledge about pneumococcal vaccination benefits.