Cluster Analysis: Vaccination Attitudes and Beliefs of Healthcare Personnel

Abstract

Objectives: We sought to identify patterns of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KABs) about influenza and influenza vaccination among healthcare personnel (HCP) and define characteristics associated with these patterns. Methods: We used an Internet panel survey of HCP (N = 2265) during March 27-April 17, 2018; clustered HCP by their vaccination-related KABs. Results: Four clusters were identified: Immunization Champions (61.1% of the sample) received influenza vaccine to prevent disease; Unworried Vaccinators (15.4%) received the influenza vaccine but did not believe influenza is a serious threat to themselves; Fence Sitters (8.1%) believed the vaccine is safe and worth the time and expense but is not effective; Skeptics (15.4%) did not believe the vaccine is safe or effective. Influenza vaccination coverage was 78.4% overall and higher among Immunization Champions (90.2%) and Unworried Vaccinators (87.0%) than Fence Sitters (61.6%) or Skeptics (32.2%). Conclusions: Findings suggest that based on KABs, the 3 clusters comprising 85% of HCP might be vaccinated in the future. Using messages specific to each group may improve vaccination coverage among HCP.