The Influence of Knowledge and Attitudes on Influenza and Pertussis Vaccination among Healthcare Workers in Wisconsin

Laura Blakeslee, University of Wisconsin-Madison

As opinion leaders able to influence immunization decisions among lay adults, healthcare workers (HCWs) are a priority group for vaccination beyond their own potential to contract and transmit infectious disease. With seasonal flu and Tdap vaccination rates currently too low to prevent influenza and pertussis outbreaks, program and policy efforts should address how knowledge and attitudes affect HCW vaccination. The Health Belief Model and Theory of Reasoned Action suggest vaccination decisions are based on perceived health risks, benefits and barriers to vaccination, and cultural norms. Using survey data collected from two random samples of 2,500 clinicians, pharmacists, and nurses licensed and residing in Wisconsin during 2010-2012, Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) indicate Tdap vaccination is more common among HCWs who believe pertussis is a serious illness, and rates of vaccination against both influenza and pertussis are higher when family/patients/coworkers support vaccination but lower when barriers to vaccination exist.