Background: Most of the countries recommend the seasonal influenza vaccination to healthcare workers to prevent themselves and patients.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was undertaken from 1/2/2019 to 1/4/2019 in Taif city, the western region of Saudi Arabia. The data were collected through a self-administered approved questionnaire from various health care workers in the city.
Results: Among the participants, there were 59.3% males. Maximum responses were from physicians compared to other health workers (80 (36.2%) Physicians, 92 (41.6%) Nurses, and 33 (14.9%) Clinical Pharmacists). Only 52% of the participants reported that they had taken the influenza vaccine during the 2018-19 season. The reasons for poor compliance mentioned were 'small chance of contracting influenza viruses" in 51.89% of the participants and "limited contact with high-risk patients" in 25.47% of the participants. When asked whether 'Health professionals were under the highest risk in case of an epidemic', 10.4% of the participants disagreed with the statement. There was no statistically significant association seen with this year vaccine intake and religious beliefs (X2 = 5.44; df=2; p>0.05). In the current study, 67.4% of the participants were aware of the Ministry of Health recommendations about influenza vaccination. Nevertheless, 52% of the participants disagreed with mandatory vaccination for health care workers.
Conclusion: In the current study, both vaccinated and non-vaccinated participants expressed poor knowledge regarding the vaccine, its benefits, safety, and complications. The client reminder for high risk and easy access to influenza vaccine may improve the vaccination status in the country.
Key words: Health care workers, Vaccination, Influenza, compliance to vaccination
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