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Pertussis immunization in paediatric healthcare workers: knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour

Karina A Top1, Beth A Halperin2, Darlene Baxendale2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Vaccine
|January 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Healthcare workers widely accept pertussis immunization, but willingness doesn't always translate to action. Improving vaccine uptake requires addressing the gap between intention and behavior for pertussis vaccination.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Immunization Practices
  • Healthcare Worker Education

Background:

  • Pertussis (whooping cough) poses risks, especially to infants.
  • Healthcare workers (HCWs) are crucial for promoting vaccine uptake.
  • Assessing HCW knowledge and beliefs is vital for improving immunization rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate HCW knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about pertussis immunization.
  • To compare these factors with actual tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine uptake.
  • To identify barriers and facilitators for Tdap vaccination among HCWs.

Main Methods:

  • A survey was administered to employees at a tertiary paediatric and maternity care center.
  • Respondents were offered Tdap vaccination at a free clinic.
  • Data on survey completion and vaccine uptake were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • 17% (529/3051) of employees completed the survey.
  • 76% expressed willingness for pertussis immunization, but only 15% (61) received the Tdap vaccine.
  • Widespread acceptance of pertussis immunization exists among paediatric HCWs, yet intentions poorly predicted behavior.

Conclusions:

  • A significant gap exists between HCW willingness and uptake of pertussis immunization.
  • Educational initiatives and institutional support, including funding, may enhance Tdap vaccine uptake.
  • Strategies are needed to bridge the intention-behavior gap in HCW immunization.

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