Low influenza vaccine uptake by healthcare workers caring for the elderly in South African old age homes and primary healthcare facilities.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The elderly bear the highest burden of South Africa's estimated annual > 10 million influenza cases and > 11,000 influenza-related deaths. Unvaccinated healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high occupational risk of contracting influenza, and may transmit influenza to elderly patients in their care. Thus, the South African National Department of Health recommends that HCWs receive annual influenza vaccination. This study aimed to determine influenza vaccination coverage among HCWs; identify reasons for their vaccination status; and investigate if HCWs recommend vaccination to their elderly patients.

Methods

A descriptive study was conducted in 18 community health centres and 44 private sector and non-governmental organisation managed old age homes across South Africa,

SUBMITTER: Sibanda M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9834679 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature