Abstract
BACKGROUND: The proportion of healthcare workers (HCWs) who receive and recommend seasonal influenza vaccination to their patients remains low in China. This study aims to understand why HCWs infrequently use and recommend the influenza vaccine and how to improve utilization. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey and a focus group interview were conducted among primary HCWs in Hubei Province in September 2018 and May 2019. We analyzed qualitative data using descriptive methods and a general inductive approach following a quantitative analysis. In addition, we used the Health Belief Model (HBM) framework to summarize predictors of HCW vaccination and recommendation. RESULTS: Primary HCWs acquired basic knowledge about influenza infection and vaccination and were less likely to receive and recommend influenza vaccination. However, from the focus group, HCWs reported influenza was a mild disease and would not recommend vaccination for patients who looked healthy. HCWs raised concerns about adverse events, cost-effectiveness, and contraindications to influenza vaccination. HCWs reported, "I would be more likely to recommend vaccination if my employer required that I do so." CONCLUSIONS: Health education materials for HCWs could be improved by providing scientific evidence on the burden of influenza disease, the benefits of vaccination, and national and international policies on influenza vaccination. In addition, interventions that may improve influenza vaccination coverage include workplace requirements for influenza vaccination of HCWs and requirements for HCWs to recommend influenza vaccination to high-risk groups in addition to providing no-cost and on-site vaccination.