Increasing Influenza Vaccination Coverage in Healthcare Workers

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for healthcare workers due to risk of infection, nosocomial infection transmission and work absenteeism. Despite this recommendation influenza vaccination coverage in healthcare workers remains off the 75% vaccination coverage target in many European countries. In 2020/21 the concern of the first influenza season coinciding with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic emphasized the need to increase influenza vaccination coverage in healthcare workers. Our aim was to analyze the influenza vaccination campaign for healthcare workers at the University Hospital of Cologne in 2020/21 compared to prior years building on findings of our review. The campaign focused on organization, education and promotion. A mobile vaccination team conducted vaccinations on-site, walk-in vaccinations at a central vaccination site and mass vaccination events. The preexisting option of influenza vaccination at the occupational health department was possible. A survey was performed. Our campaign led to a significant 2.4-fold increase (p < 0.001) in vaccination coverage from 17% (2465/14 505) in 2019/20 to 40% (6048/15 290) in 2020/21. A significant increase in vaccination coverage was observed across all professional fields. Highest overall vaccination coverage was yielded in physicians. Highest relative increase was observed in research personnel. Among nurses, coverage increased 2.7-fold, resulting in 48%. Almost a third of vaccinees reported the 2020/21 influenza vaccination being their first ever (or their first in over ten years) influenza vaccination. Highest rate of first time vaccinees was found in research personnel and subsidiary company employees, compared to lowest rate in physicians. Out of all first time vaccinees, 72% affirmed the COVID-19 pandemic and 60% affirmed the conduct of our campaign positively influenced vaccination decision. Analysis of pre-COVID-19-pandemic influenza seasons showed low vaccination coverage overall. Our research demonstrated a significant increase in influenza vaccination coverage across all professional fields by implementing organizational strategies building on education and promotion. Our study outlines a strategy on how to vaccinate large numbers of healthcare workers in a pandemic.