- B Salzberger: Klinik I für Innere Medizin, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93042 Regensburg.
Vaccination of healthcare workers (HCW) against influenza is strongly recommended due to its positive effects on elderly patients. In randomized studies vaccination of healthcare workers resulted in lower overall mortality of patients in the winter period. Still, vaccination rates of healthcare workers remain low in many countries, especially in Europe. The rationale for the current recommendations, vaccination rates of healthcare workers, factors influencing these rates, and strategies to improve vaccination rates are discussed.