Practice what you preach: Health department employees' beliefs regarding seasonal influenza vaccination, Kansas City, Missouri, 2013

Background: Public health professionals play an important role in disseminating messages about annual influenza vaccine benefits.  Conveying accurate information is key in communicating to the public.

Methods: From September­­–November, 2013, a survey was conducted among employees of the Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department to assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding seasonal influenza vaccination.  The Health Department actively encourages employees to get vaccinated.

Results: Of 176 eligible participants, 88 responded (50%).  Most respondents were female (75%); 72% were aged >36 years.  Over 85% reported having at least a bachelor’s degree. In a series of 7 true/false questions about influenza risk and symptoms, only 25% of respondents correctly answered all questions.  While almost all respondents agreed it was important for health care workers to receive vaccination to prevent spreading influenza (86%), only 80% reported getting vaccinated in the 2012­–2­013 season; 85% reported plans to get vaccinated in 2013–2014.  Among those who reported not getting vaccinated, half reported not being in a high risk group; 40% reported that they did not believe the vaccines worked very well.  Overall, 28% of respondents reported that their risk of getting influenza if they were not vaccinated was low.  Most respondents reported that the vaccine was safe.

Conclusion: Among health department employees charged with protecting and promoting the public’s health, there is a lack of knowledge surrounding influenza vaccination, as well as symptoms, transmission, and susceptibility of influenza. Staff education efforts should be ongoing and address common influenza misconceptions.