- Rodrigo Jimenez-Garcia: Preventive Medicine and Public Health Teaching and Research Unit, Health Sciences Faculty, Rey Juan Carlos University, Alcorcón, Spain. rodrigo.jimenez@urjc.es
This study aimed to examine influenza vaccination status and predictors for vaccine receipt among Spanish healthcare workers. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using individualized data provided by the 2001 and 2003 National Health Surveys. Adults were classified as HCWs if they were employed in a healthcare occupation or in a healthcare industry setting. Influenza coverage was significantly higher among HCWs versus non-HCWs (18.2% vs. 10.9%), after adjusting for potential confounders, the likelihood of being vaccinated remained higher among HCWs (OR = 2.38 CI 95% 1.91-2.96). Older age and suffering a high risk medical condition were independent predictors for vaccination among HCWs. We conclude that influenza vaccination coverages among Spanish HCWs are much underneath the desirable level. Efforts should be tailored to individuals, institutions, and healthcare systems to dramatically increase HCWs immunization rates in Spain.