Influenza vaccination uptake and associated factors among healthcare workers in Chengdu's maternal and child health institutions in the post-pandemic era.

PURPOSE: This study assessed influenza vaccination uptake, knowledge, beliefs, and willingness among healthcare workers (HCWs) in maternal and child health (MCH) institutions in Chengdu in the post-COVID-19 era and identified factors associated with vaccination behavior.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in 10 Chengdu MCH institutions from May 12 to June 30, 2025, using a validated questionnaire. Analyses included descriptive statistics, univariate tests (chi-square; independent-samples t-tests/one-way ANOVA), and hierarchical multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 1,880 HCWs, 35.21% (662) reported receiving influenza vaccination since June 2024, and 10.43% reported clinician-diagnosed influenza. Before the 2025 influenza season, 57.61% reported willingness to be vaccinated. Objective knowledge was suboptimal: 45.05% correctly identified the time to develop protective antibodies (2-4 weeks), and 43.72% correctly identified the duration of protection (at least 6 months). Belief scores increased with higher education and professional title (p < 0.05) and were lowest among outsourced staff. Hierarchical regression (Nagelkerke R 2 = 0.377) identified independent correlates of vaccination uptake, including older age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.029 per year], master's degree or above (OR = 2.067), working in secondary-level MCH hospitals (OR = 5.377) or outpatient/preventive-care departments (OR = 1.682), being a nurse (OR = 1.804) or administrative staff member (OR = 3.262) versus physician, higher belief score (OR = 1.062 per point), and, most strongly, willingness to vaccinate (uncertain vs. unwilling: OR = 3.431; willing vs. unwilling: OR = 23.296).

CONCLUSION

Influenza vaccination coverage among HCWs in Chengdu MCH institutions remained suboptimal in the post-pandemic period, with a clear intention-behavior gap. Uptake was associated with more favorable beliefs, higher willingness, older age, higher education, and institutional/departmental and occupational factors. Targeted strategies to strengthen confidence, improve access and convenience, and tailor interventions to specific departments and job categories are needed to increase coverage.