The Evaluation of Seasonal Influenza and H1N1 Vaccinations among Medical Staff and Medical Students Using a Randomized Survey

Background: Vaccinations of health care workers is a recommended strategy for preventing the spread of influenza. Having a better understanding of the vaccination rates, barriers, and opinions towards the vaccines among health care workers will help improve vaccination programs. 

Objective: To obtain information regarding seasonal influenza and H1N1 vaccine rates, barriers, and opinions towards these vaccines among Indiana University School of Medicine house staff, medical students, and Clarian Health medical staff during the fall and winter of 2009-2010.

Methods: The survey was administered using Survey Monkey.com^©. The three target populations for the survey were Indiana University School of Medicine house staff (residents and fellows), medical students and Clarian Health medical staff. For each target population, 500 individuals were randomly selected to participate in this survey. 

Results: The seasonal influenza vaccination rates were 82.3% among house staff, 74.8% among medical students, and 87.4% among Clarian medical staff. The main barrier for receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine reported by all three target populations was “Lack of time to get the vaccine.” Many of the respondents reported they strongly agree they “Value receiving a free vaccine while at work.” The H1N1 vaccination rates were 84.4% among house staff, 67.1% among medical students, and 78.8% among Clarian medical staff. The most frequently reported barriers for receiving the H1N1 vaccine was the “Lack of supply”, “Lack of confidence that the vaccine would help” and “Lack of time.” The most commonly reported opinion towards the H1N1 vaccine was “I think health care workers should have taken the H1N1 vaccine to protect themselves, their families and their patients.”

Conclusions: The results of this survey showed that over two-thirds of the house staff, medical students, and Clarian Health medical staff received the seasonal influenza and H1N1 vaccines during the fall and winter of 2009-2010. To improve and maintain these vaccination rates, greater emphasis needs to be placed on encouraging medical staff to prioritize obtaining the influenza vaccine.  In addition, future vaccination programs should focus their efforts on convenience and the supply of vaccines.