Practices and Perceptions of Influenza A (H1N1) Vaccination in Korean Military Health Care Workers

Background: Vaccination against influenza in health care workers (HCWs) reduces nosocomial influenza transmission, subsequent pulmonary infection, and absenteeism as well as influenza-related morbidity and mortality in high-risk patients. Even though it’s well known effectiveness, the low influenza vaccination rate in HCWs is a global problem. W e investigated the current state of vaccination and attitudes toward vaccination for influenza A (H1N1) in Korean military health care workers. Materials and Methods: In total, 4,302 employees at 18 military health-care units were included in this study, which was conducted from October to December 2009. The employees were administered 0.5 ml of inactivated influenza vaccine consisting of 2009 strains. A study questionnaire regarding attitudes toward influenza vaccination was completed prior to vaccination. Results: Questionnaires were answered by 3,461(80.5%) personnel. In total, 3,371 subjects (78.4%) were immunized, and 2,471 subjects (57.4%) responded that they were immunized because they believed that vaccination was effective. Of the 3,461 participants, 90 (2.6%) did not receive the influenza vaccine. The main reasons giving up receiving the immunization poor physical condition with/without acute illness, history of common cold or influenza A (H1N1), concerns regarding adverse effects, and belief in low efficacy of the vaccine. Conclusion: HCWs in military -care units in Korea showed good compliance to H1N1 influenza vaccination, and most believed that the vaccination was effective. Vaccination of HCWs should be considered as quickly as possible to successfully defend against the virus during the early stages of a pandemic. An increase in the rate of influenza immunization among HCWs in Korea is possible through education and media campaigns, particularly those regarding vaccine safety and efficacy.