Barriers and Motivators of Influenza Vaccination Uptake among Primary Healthcare Workers in Singapore

Abstract

Introduction: Healthcare workers, especially primary healthcare workers, are at risk of contracting influenza from patients at their workplace. The uptake of influenza immunisation among healthcare workers has been inadequate in spite of this risk and the recommendation to receive annual influenza vaccination. This study aims to assess the barriers as well as the motivators of influenza immunisation among staff from an organisation of primary healthcare polyclinics in Singapore. Methods: Focus group interviews were conducted on healthcare workers from different occupation categories within the organisation and results were analysed. Results: Factors identified as barriers to influenza immunisation were: misconceptions regarding influenza immunisation, fear of experiencing pain or reaction from the vaccination, influence from other staff, uncertainty over the efficacy of influenza vaccination and perceived immunity against influenza virus. Motivators to immunisation were: the influence of other staff, direction from senior management, incentives for vaccination, accessibility and convenience in receiving the immunisation, reduction in risk of transmitting influenza to others and awareness and knowledge of influenza vaccination. Conclusion: Interventions to promote influenza immunisation based on these identified factors may help increase the immunisation uptake among healthcare workers.