Influenza Vaccination Rates, Perceptions, and Vaccine Hesitancy in K-12 Teachers and Staff

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Vaccinology
• Educational Settings

Background:

• Vaccination misinformation is a significant driver of vaccine hesitancy and reduced immunization rates.
• Previous influenza immunization events in K-12 schools observed low teacher and staff participation.
• Understanding educator perspectives on vaccination is crucial due to their community influence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey K-12 teachers and staff regarding their perceptions, knowledge, and reasons for vaccine hesitancy.
• To assess general vaccine knowledge and specific attitudes towards the influenza vaccine.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to K-12 teachers and staff in the West Ada School District.
• Data collected included demographics, influenza vaccine receipt, motivations, and reasons for hesitancy.
• Descriptive statistics and comparative tests (chi-square, Mann-Whitney U) were used for analysis.

Main Results:

• Out of 503 respondents, 81% received the influenza vaccine annually.
• Key vaccination reasons included flu avoidance and preventing spread; hesitancy reasons cited lack of efficacy and side effects.
• Vaccinated individuals demonstrated greater alignment of general vaccine knowledge with scientific data.

Conclusions:

• The majority of surveyed educators are vaccinated against influenza, but a notable percentage remain hesitant.
• Misinformation appears to be a key factor contributing to vaccine hesitancy among educators.
• Collaborative efforts between health organizations and school districts could enhance vaccine acceptance in educational communities.