Preventive Medicine & Public Health

Biography

Vladana Stefanovic has obtained her medical degree (MD) in 2012. The same year she enrolled Ph.D. Public Health Studies at the University of Novi Sad, Serbia and has a theeses pending after finishing the 3 year Ph.D. program and passing all of the required exams. In 2018. she has finished Applied Studies in Healthcare Engineering Management. Also in 2018 she has passed her residency exam and became Specialist of Social Medicine (Public Health) at the Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina. She works at the Institute for Student Healthcare of Novi Sad, Serbia. She has published more than 40 scientific papers. 

            

Abstract

Background: The efficiency of seasonal flu vaccination has been confirmed in a large number of studies. It is very important to stress the fact that influenza infects ~25% of unvaccinated healthcare workers (HCW). Up to 75% of HCW suffering from a flu-like illness continue working. Although it has become a routine to use personal protection against influenza during everyday work, such as hand sanitizer, masks, face shields and goggles, the most important measure of prevention and protection is immunization. Since 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended vaccination of all HCWs worldwide to protect staff and prevent potential transmission to their patients. Surveys indicate that 88% of countries recommended annual HCW seasonal flue vaccination, and 61% supported this recommendation financially. Despite the recommendation, uptake of the vaccine by HCWs remains low. The aim of our study was to determine the seasonal flu vaccination uptake among HCW in the Institute for Student Healthcare of Novi Sad, City of Novi Sad, Serbia.

Materials/methods: Prospective study started in the season 2011/2012 by collecting data on seasonal flu vaccination uptake among HCW in the Institute for Student Healthcare of Novi Sad during a five year period. The study included 72 HCW (23 medical doctors, 5 dentists, 31 nurses/medical technicians, 1 healthcare associate and 12 administrative and technical staff). Vaccination season in Serbia lasts from October to March. The results were statistically analyzed using the SPSS 20.

Results: In 2011/2012and 2012/2013 flu vaccination season 1.39% of HCW were vaccinated against seasonal flue; in the 2013/2014 uptake among HCW was 4.16%; in the 2014/2015 uptake was 1.39% and during the 2015/2016 uptake was 3.39%.

Conclusions: Our results show low levels of vaccination uptake among HCW. The highest rate of vaccination uptake was during the 2013/2014 season. Critical role of healthcare professionals in the implementation of vaccination programs can be enhanced through evidence-based interventions and by setting concrete influenza vaccination goals. Individuals and healthcare workers should be able to access, appraise and effectively use health-related information. Annual vaccination campaigns have the potential to build awareness, motivate the public and ultimately to achieve high vaccination coverage.