Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceived Barriers to Pneumococcal Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Survey Among Healthcare Workers and Administrative Staff at an Italian University Hospital.

Introduction

Streptococcus pneumoniae severely affects adults over 65, especially those with comorbidities. Since vaccination coverage among healthcare workers (HCWs) is unknown despite free availability, this study evaluates knowledge, behaviours, hesitancy and accessibility among employees of an Italian hospital.

Methods

A prospective cross-sectional survey was administered via "SurveyMonkey." From February 22 to June 15, 2024, healthcare and administrative staff aged ≥ 18 at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli were recruited by email. Descriptive and inferential analyses used Stata 16.1.

Results

Among HCWs, 72% are women, with an average age of 48. Pneumococcal vaccination coverage is 20%, with 82.7% vaccinated in-hospital. Preferred information sources include courses, webinars, and institutional websites. For management staff, vaccine safety and effectiveness were significant determinants. Among administrative employees, 65% are women (average age 51); 19% are vaccinated, 24% are unsure, and 43% prefer in-hospital vaccination. Physicians cited trust in vaccines (25.3%) and self-protection (23.2%) as key motivators, compared with 12.4% among nursing, technical and rehabilitative staff. Recommendation to family members was higher among medical and specialist professionals (90%) than in other groups (77% in nursing/technical/rehabilitative; <50% in assistants and auxiliary staff). About half of the groups rated their knowledge at level 2 (scale 1-4). Multivariable regression analysis showed that medical professionals and specialists exhibited a higher perception of the importance and safety of vaccines compared with other categories.

Conclusions

HCWs showed greater knowledge of pneumococcal vaccination, while administrative staff had lower awareness and more hesitancy. Both groups preferred in-hospital vaccination and expressed interest in structured educational initiatives.