INFLUENZA VACCINATION OF HEALTH-CARE WORKERS - EVALUATION OF FACTORS THAT ARE IMPORTANT IN ACCEPTANCE

Background. We evaluated the associations between putative occupationa l and epidemiologic determinants and influenza vaccine acceptance amon g health care workers during two consecutive seasons. Methods. Multipl e logistic regression models were developed to identify predictors of vaccine acceptance during 1991-1992, then validated in the subsequent year. A combined repeated-measures regression model using generalized estimating equations was fit to examine workers' vaccine acceptance ov er the 2-year period. Results. Nearly one-third of hospital employees received influenza vaccine each year [2,364 of 7,320 (32%) in 1991-199 2 vs 2,679 of 8,632 (31%) in 1992-1993]. Independent predictors among nurse clinicians included older age, higher salary, longer employment, and minimal absenteeism. Female sex, marriage, higher salary, and emp loyment duration were independent predictors for professional support staff. Older age was the only independent predictor among nonprofessio nal staff. Conclusions. We conclude that older individuals, those with higher socioeconomic status, and those employed longer are more likel y to accept the influenza vaccine. Sex, marital status, and prior work absenteeism are also important predictors in specific groups of healt h care workers. (C) 1997 Academic Press.