1. Nurse Focus Groups on Influenza Vaccination
Pascale Wortley, MD, MPH
National Immunization Program
CDC

2. Objectives
Collect information that will help develop strategies to increase currently low influenza vaccination rates among nurses

3. Methods 8 focus groups: 4 in Birmingham, 4 in Detroit
In each city: 2 groups of vaccinated and 2 groups of unvaccinated nurses
Black-White mix

4. Demographics 54/71 RNs were hospital-based Range of hospital settings
Most were female, had >5 years experience, were >35

5. Attitudes and beliefs about influenza and influenza vaccine
Lack of information, not very different from general public.
Vaccinated nurses more knowledgeable than unvaccinated
Misconceptions (not sure vaccine works, concerned it will make them ill)

6. Attitudes, cont’d Never get sick, not in a high risk group
Firm believers in handwashing
Distrust (only mentioned in Birmingham)
Avoid sick leave

7. Information needs
Many felt they did not have adequate information, lack of detailed information targeted specifically to nurses
Wanted more “evidence-based statistics”
Presented in brief format

8. Knowledge around ACIP recommendations
Mixed knowledge of ACIP recommendation
Generally not aware that reason for recommendation is to protect patients (reducing sick days frequently mentioned)
Most nurses agreed that wider knowledge of this might influence nurses to get vaccinated

9. Their work place vaccination programs
Inconvenient
Generally must get vaccination on their own time
Many who were vaccinated were simply because it had been made easy for them (brought to them)
Lack of strong or effective promotion
Passive approach: posters, flyers
Missed opportunities, e.g. tie in with annual PPD
Vaccine available free at work

10. Attitudes towards mandatory offering of vaccine
Mix of positive and negative
Might be effective, as long as opt out form available
“We have so many tests and other things that are mandatory…”
Could incite more negative feelings towards vaccination
Disciplinary/liability concerns
Hidden agenda? (employers monitoring sick time)

11. What would get them to be vaccinated?
Easier of access
More active promotion
More information

12. Role of nurses in promoting vaccination
Unvaccinated nurses less comfortable with promoting vaccination
Among those who were comfortable, great enthusiasm for playing a role

13. Conclusions
Need to reach out more to nurses through appropriate channels
Need more proactive vaccination programs in hospitals putting the onus on the hospital rather than on the nurses
Need to be more clear about why nurses should be vaccinated
Need to expand educational efforts through appropriate channels

14. Next steps
Field survey in a few states to obtain quantitative information
Use information obtained here to inform hospital immunization programs