Introduction:

Influenza is a global threat, with high epidemic potential and affects between 5 and 15% of the world's population annually. In the hospital environment, vaccination is crucial to protect healthcare professionals. However, despite international recommendations, vaccination uptake is low due to safety concerns and/or distrust. Studies show that vaccinated professionals have lower rates of absenteeism, and when infected with the virus, they present milder symptoms. In this work, a retrospective cross-sectional observational study is carried out on the vaccination rate against this disease in a population of hospital-based workers, from 2019 to 2023. To understand the importance of vaccination against Influenza in these workers and which behavioral determinants may justify considering this evolution, we carried out a review of the challenges of vaccination among health professionals and identified key points to develop strategies with the aim of promoting adherence to vaccination campaigns.

Methodology:

For the observational study, vaccination data from hospital health professionals by the Occupational Health Service was used, recorded on a specific form at the time of administration. Professional category was the only variable considered. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft® Excel®. For the review, the databases Medline, Science Direct and Google Scholar were used, with the keywords "Influenza vaccine”, “health professional” and “behaviour”, selecting studies from 2010 to 2024. From the result of 1277 works, the exclusion criteria, which included vaccination for other diseases and target populations that did not include health professionals, 22 bibliographic sources were selected. To reflect the national reality, articles on the topic published by the Revista Portuguesa de Saúde Ocupacional Online were included, as well as complementary studies and reference documents.

Results:

The study of adherence to flu vaccination in this hospital peripheral to Lisbon, between 2019 and 2023, showed a variation in vaccination adherence, with an average of 30%, a value below the ones reported in other countries. The categories most hesitant about this vaccine were Nursing Staff and Technical Assistants; at the opposite extreme, there was greater adherence from Medical Personnel and Technical Assistants. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, an increasing number of professionals were vaccinated annually, with this trend reversing after the end of the global emergency of this disease. From the review of the literature on vaccine hesitancy, 8 of the 14 behavioral domains stand out that represent theories of behavioral change that constitute modifiable factors that influence behavior in relation to the vaccine. We approach each of them from this perspective, namely: knowledge, the environmental context and resources, social influence, beliefs and knowledge about consequences, beliefs about individual capacity, identity and social/professional role, reinforcement and emotion.

Discussion:

Flu vaccine hesitancy among healthcare professionals can be a cause of morbidity and mortality for patients. Understanding the barriers and motivation for healthcare professionals to adhere to flu vaccination campaigns is crucial. Professionals who are asymptomatic carriers become sources of transmission. Annual vaccination, although safe and effective, faces variability due to antigenic concordance. In Portugal, educational and communication strategies are vital, highlighting the role of health professionals as models of preventive behavior. Easy access to medical consultations and Occupational Health recommendations is associated with greater adherence. In times of pandemic, the propensity for vaccination has increased, and it is important to promote this change. Strategies adapted to the cultural context are essential to boost adherence to Influenza vaccination among healthcare professionals.

Conclusion:

The approach to combating barriers and promoting vaccination among healthcare professionals must involve multiple areas and multiple levels, with communication targeted at specific groups, to increase its effectiveness. The message must be adapted to different population groups and different levels of health literacy. Knowing these behavioral determinants can help develop vaccination promotion campaigns from new perspectives and finding strategies to increase vaccination coverage is crucial for Occupational Health Services. Due to the ethical characteristics of the professions involved in providing direct care to patients, there is a need to reinforce the idea that vaccination among healthcare professionals is not only for their benefit, but above all for the protection of their patients.

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