Knowledge and attitudes on pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccination among Slovenian physicians and dentists.

BACKGROUND

The aim of our study was to determine vaccination coverage among Slovenian physicians and dentists and assess their knowledge and attitudes regarding the pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccine.

METHODS

In February 2010, an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was developed and sent to all practising physicians and dentists in Slovenia.

RESULTS

Out of 7092 physicians/dentists, 1718 (24%) completed the questionnaire and 41.7% of the respondents were vaccinated against pandemic and seasonal influenza, while 58.3% of the study participants decided not to adhere to the recommendation: 15.6% received the pandemic vaccine only, 10.1% the seasonal vaccine only and 32.4% were not vaccinated at all. Acceptance of the pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccine was determined by higher age, being an internal medical trainee or specialist, working in a hospital, performing any kind of vaccination and having a chronic disease. Unvaccinated participants were more often working in out-patient clinics, were without a specialty, were dentists and were not performing any vaccinations. Those who declined vaccination believed that they did not need to be vaccinated, had safety concerns and were afraid of side effects. Physicians/dentists vaccinated against pandemic and seasonal influenza had better knowledge and a more positive attitude towards the issue compared with their non-vaccinated colleagues.

CONCLUSIONS

Education on the efficacy and safety of vaccines should be one of the priority public health measures taken to improve knowledge and eliminate misconceptions and attitudinal barriers regarding immunization in physicians and dentists.