Vaccine
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0264410X
Volume 30, Issue 21 pp. 3147-3248 (2 May 2012)

Short Communication
What lies behind the low rates of vaccinations among nurses who treat infants?
Pages 3151-3154
O. Baron-Epel, S. Bord, B. Madjar, S. Habib, S. Rishpon

Abstract
Background
In most countries rates of immunizations of health care workers with recommended vaccines are not satisfactory.

Objectives
To identify reasons behind the low rates of compliance of Israeli nurses in Mother and Child Healthcare Centers (MCHC) with an official request for pertussis vaccination.

Methods
Three focus groups were conducted. Qualitative analysis identified themes that could explain the nurses’ non-compliance.

Results
Trust in health authorities was low, mainly following the A/H1N1 purported influenza pandemic. In addition, nurses did not see the importance of being role models for the public and demanded the autonomy to decide whether to receive vaccinations. The nurses differentiated between their role as nurses and their personal life, expressed fear of new vaccines and exhibited low levels of risk perception. Misconceptions regarding vaccinations were expressed by the nurses.

Conclusions
Antivaccinationist ideas were expressed by MCHC nurses and these attitudes may have led to non-compliance with vaccination guidelines.