Survey of vaccination policies in French healthcare institutions.

OBJECTIVE: The survey was implemented to describe vaccination policies for healthcare professionals in French healthcare institutions.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey based on questionnaires was sent to occupational physicians and chairpersons of hospital infection prevention and control committees (HIPC) of 38 institutions between November 2010 and January 2011.

RESULTS: Twenty-nine occupational physicians and 26 hospital infection prevention and control committees chairpersons (HIPC), from 30 institutions answered (response rate: 79%), 70% of the institutions were university hospitals. Overall, 76% of occupational physicians and 85% of HIPC chairpersons reported that information and awareness campaigns about vaccination recommendations for healthcare professionals were usually conducted in their establishment. Fifty-nine percent of occupational physicians and 31% of HIPC chairpersons reported that they were aware of the vaccine coverage rates of professionals in their institution. The occupational physicians reported that they suggested diphtheria, tetanus, polio, influenza, and acellular pertussis vaccination to all staff at their annual visit in 100%, 97%, and 62% of cases, respectively. Varicella and measles vaccinations were never suggested in 31% and 17% of cases, respectively. Among respondents, 55% of physicians reported that they had already managed a pertussis epidemic, and 42% a measles epidemic, and in both of these cases an awareness campaigns were usually conducted (93% and 96%).

CONCLUSIONS: The vaccine coverage rates of healthcare professionals in French healthcare institutions remain insufficiently documented and could be improved.