The authors describe the H1N1 healthcare worker vaccination experience in a Greek hospital. The vaccination rate of healthcare workers for H1N1 influenza was low (17%). The authors identified a mistrust of the motives of pandemic vaccination campaigns and refer to negative expert opinions expressed in public (which attracted particular attention by the media) as frequently listed among the reasons for non-vaccination.
We will soon present a study at the upcoming SHEA Annual Meeting on our experience with H1N1 vaccination. Predictably, fears about efficacy, side effects and concerns about active illness from the vaccine were expressed. There are healthcare workers who received the seasonal influenza vaccine but not the H1N1 vaccine. Others simply refused both.
Confusion and mistrust abound.
If you will be at SHEA, come and visit our posters.
