The Development of a Vaccination Programme of Health Care Workers
Abstract
Background: Health care staff, due to their direct contact with patients and various body fluids may be exposed to and transmit vaccine-preventable diseases. Their immunization and regular screening, is an obligation for all health care providers and are necessary for the promotion of their own health, as well as the health of their patients. Aim: The aims of this study were to assess the immunization level among the staff in a Greek provincial hospital, and their awareness, and to develop a targeting programme of vaccination coverage. Method: The study sample consisted of 338 health care workers. The duration of the study was two years (June 2006-June 2008). A vaccination programme was implemented, according to the individual immunization level of each worker, concerning hepatitis B and tetanus vaccination. Statistical analysis was performed by the statistical package SPSS-13 and statistical significance was placed at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Overall, 60% of the participants were nurses, 7.4% doctors, 10% technicians and workers and 7% were cleaning staff. Staff working in the surgical departments was more positive towards participation in the study (44.0%), in contrast to those in medical wards and the intensive care unit (ICU) (17% and 10% respectively). Of the total sample 59% was vaccinated against hepatitis B but only a small proportion was vaccinated against tetanus (15.4%). A Mantoux test was performed for screening on 28% of the participants of which 28% were positive, but without any recent history of Tb infection. The vaccination rates for hepatitis B and tetanus increased according to the educational level (p<0.001). An important finding was that the 65% of all participants, had antibody titer <100 mIU/mL. Conclusions: The vaccination coverage of health care staff in the provincial hospital was at an inadequate level. Given the fact that the educational level contributes positively to the increase of vaccination rates, increased awareness, as well as education, are vital for the increase in participation of health care workers in vaccination programmes.
