Intention to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine among nurses working in a long-term care facility

The factors affecting influenza vaccine uptake among nurses might vary between different medical facilities. The purpose of the present study was to explore factors that affect the intention of nurses at a long-term care facility to receive the influenza vaccine and whether the health belief model predicts this intention. In this cross-sectional quantitative correlational study, a convenience sample of 150 nurses employed at a large long-term care facility in central Israel completed a questionnaire based on the health belief model. Data collection took place between January and February of 2016. Forty-two percent of the respondents reported having been vaccinated against influenza in the current year. The health belief model explained 53% of the variance (p <.01), with perceived (personal) benefits of the vaccine being the most significant factor. The number of times of receiving the influenza vaccine in the past was strongly correlated with the intention to receive the vaccine (p <.01). To improve nurses' compliance with influenza vaccination at long-term care facilities, we find that it is necessary to emphasize the benefits of vaccination and, particularly, the personal benefits. Annual vaccination behavior should be promoted to make it become a routine.