Laboratory worker knowledge, attitudes and practices towards smallpox vaccine

Area of Science:

• Occupational health and safety
• Virology
• Immunization practices

Background:

• Recent laboratory-acquired vaccinia virus (VV) infections underscore the critical need for enhanced laboratory safety protocols.
• Evaluating adherence to smallpox vaccination recommendations among laboratory personnel is essential for risk mitigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess laboratory worker compliance with Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) smallpox vaccination guidelines.
• To identify barriers hindering vaccination among laboratory staff.
• To understand how training influences laboratory worker perceptions of vaccination.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to 92 laboratory workers in Pennsylvania.
• 45 laboratory workers completed the survey regarding vaccinia virus usage and vaccination status.

Main Results:

• 87% of respondents had received a smallpox vaccination previously, with 73% vaccinated within the last 10 years.
• Training focused more on vaccination risks than benefits.
• A majority perceived adverse outcomes as more likely from vaccination than from accidental VV infection.

Conclusions:

• Fear of vaccine adverse effects and a willingness to risk accidental infection appear to be significant barriers to vaccination.
• Enhanced information and training on vaccine benefits and risks of accidental infection are recommended.
• Improving vaccination rates can bolster laboratory safety against vaccinia virus.