Factors associated with influenza vaccination of general medicine interns in Nancy, France, in 2017

Winter flu is an epidemic infectious disease which sometimes causes serious complications in vulnerable people treated in general practice. Currently, the most effective means of prevention is influenza vaccination, which is recommended for healthcare professionals, including general medicine interns. The target of 75% coverage set by WHO for healthcare professional is rarely reached. Our survey provides an assessment of reported influenza vaccination of general medicine interns (GMI) and evaluates factors influencing their vaccination status. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 27 September to 2 November 2017 in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Lorraine in France. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was distributed electronically (SurveyMonkey software) to all GMI. It collected data on their vaccination status and on levers and barriers to influenza vaccination. The data were analysed using SAS 9.4 software. Multivariate analysis helped identify factors associated with their influenza vaccination status. Of the 595 GMI invited, 269 participated in the survey, with a response rate of 45.2%. During the 2015, 2016, and 2017 winters, overall self-declared vaccine coverage was 37.9, 49.4, and 56.5%, respectively. Being at the end of training (p = 0.008, OR = 3.2), the presence of a mobile vaccination team (p = 0.019, OR = 3.1), and recommending vaccination to one's relatives and friends (p < 0.0001, OR = 5.4) were the three factors independently associated with influenza vaccination. The two main reasons which had a strong influence on non-vaccination were forgetting to do so (30.5%) and lack of time (24.8%). Influenza vaccination coverage of GMI in Nancy falls well short of WHO targets. Vaccination campaigns and facilitated access to vaccination at study and work placement locations should be considered.