Vaccination coverage among healthcare workers: pre-post intervention study to assess impact of an on-site vaccination-dedicated clinic.

De Sarro, Caterina; Papadopoli, Rosa; Cautela, Vincenza; Nobile, Carmelo Giuseppe Angelo; Pileggi, Claudia; Pavia, Maria

BACKGROUND Several studies have revealed low vaccinations coverage among healthcare workers (HCWs) for all vaccinations. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of the implementation of an on-site vaccination-dedicated clinic on the vaccination coverage rates of HCWs. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A quasi-experimental pre-post intervention study was carried out among under-graduate and post-graduate students attending medical and healthcare professions schools. Vaccinations that were considered for eligibility were the following: 1) related to professional risks (Hepatitis B; acellular Pertussis, in the combination vaccine with Tetanus and Diphtheria; Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella); 2) related to specific age groups or underlying clinical conditions (Meningococcal conjugate vaccines; Human papillomavirus; Hepatitis A; 13-valent Pneumococcal protein-conjugate vaccine and Influenza). RESULTS we enrolled 804 students, 404 in the control and 400 in the experimental group. A significantly higher increase of vaccination coverage in the experimental group than in the control group for all the investigated vaccinations (p<0.001) was found. The odds of adherence to vaccinations in the experimental group, compared to the control group, ranged from 6.9 fold (95% CI 3.51-13.44) to 18.9 fold (95% CI 10.85-32.96). The increase in the coverage rate in the control group was between 2.5% and 3.5%, whereas in the experimental group, higher increases were found, ranging from 34.8% to 71%. CONCLUSIONS The extraordinary increase in the adherence to HCWs recommended vaccinations found in the study seems to indicate a significant role of enabling factors in the complex process of decision-making and implementation of health-related behaviors.