Influenza vaccine hesitancy and acceptance among healthcare workers: A qualitative study in Amsterdam, the Netherlands / Grippeimpfung: Skepsis und Akzeptanz bei Gesundheitsfachkräften. Eine qualitative Studie aus Amsterdam, Niederlande

Abstract Background/objective Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all healthcare workers because of their increased risk of nosocomial infections. Despite the recognized benefits, there is public concern about vaccination against many diseases, often termed vaccine hesitancy. As a result, influenza vaccination coverage in all European countries, including the Netherlands, is below the 75% recommended by the WHO and the European Union, which poses a threat to public health. With this in mind, this study aimed to gain insights into influenza vaccine uptake among healthcare workers of a university hospital in Amsterdam. Methods Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare workers of the Amsterdam UMC with an average duration of 30 minutes. The transcripts were coded and analyzed based on the 5C vaccine hesitancy model. Results Half of the participants reported a low risk perception regarding influenza. Furthermore, non-pharmaceutical measures were more frequently mentioned than influenza vaccination, indicating that many do not see vaccination as essential. Although all participants were aware of occupational transmission and recognized the indirect protection vaccination provides for patients, they were less aware of asymptomatic transmission. Additionally, the limited availability of dates, timeslots and the need for appointments hindered participants' access to vaccination. Conclusion This study provides insights into the perceptions of influenza vaccination among healthcare workers, identifying key barriers and facilitators to uptake. To increase influenza vaccination coverage, hospitals can focus on improving information provision and reducing barriers to accessing vaccines.