What do those who vaccinate think? Perception of the flu among pediatrician and pediatric nursing professionals

Childhood influenza represents a significant healthcare burden, in terms of both primary care and hospital emergency department visits, as well as in hospitalizations. The objective of this study was to analyze the perceptions of pediatricians and nurses working in pediatric settings regarding childhood influenza and influenza vaccination, as well as the perceived barriers, in order to identify new strategies to improve vaccination coverage.

Cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study through a nationwide survey of pediatricians and pediatric nurses. We collected data on variables related to perceived severity, clinical burden, complications, vaccination, training, family reluctance to vaccinate, and preferred communication channels.

A total of 2268 professionals responded: 1877 pediatricians and 391 nurses. Eighty-five percent of pediatricians believed influenza had a significant impact on their clinical practice, and 91% identified it as potentially serious in childhood. The most frequently perceived complications were otitis media, bronchitis/bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. Ninety-five percent of pediatricians supported vaccination against influenza for children aged 6-59 months of age (childhood vaccination), with chronic illnesses, or living with at-risk individuals, and 97% perceived its extension up to age 17 positively. However, 33% expressed uncertainty about vaccine effectiveness. Sixty-seven percent of pediatricians reported frequent reluctance among families, and 82% of nurses considered that families do not perceive influenza as a serious illness.

There is broad professional consensus regarding the clinical relevance of childhood influenza and the positive value of vaccination. The main barrier identified is the low risk perception among families, along with a need for training on vaccine effectiveness and communication with families. Strategies based on educational materials with visual contents, brief information, and a focus on the actual risk could improve both of these aspects.