VACCINATION AND IMMUNIZATION STATUS AGAINST VACCINE-PREVENTABLE DISEASES IN AN ITALIAN SAMPLE OF HEALTH-CARE WORKERS OPERATING IN GYNAECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS HOSPITAL DEPARTMENTS

Abstract

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are an important group of professionals exposed to infectious diseases transmitted through several ways. Nevertheless, vaccination coverages of HCWs are often lower than standards recommended by international Public Health authorities. Recently, the Italian Ministry of Health has issued the guidelines for recommended vaccination during pregnancy, child-bearing age and feeding-time. This study aimed at investigating knowledge, attitudes, practices and immunization status in a sample of Italian HCWs employed in gynaecology and obstetrics departments. A survey was conducted between November 2017 and February 2018 throughout an online self-administered questionnaire, previously validated. A total of 155 subjects responded to the survey. The immunization status was reported to be higher for DTP, MMRV and HBV vaccines and lower for influenza vaccination. A general lack of risk perception to contract vaccine preventable infectious diseases emerged from the study.