Influenza vaccination of future healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study of uptake, knowledge and attitudes.

Promotional campaigns recommend immunisation against influenza in healthcare workers (HCWs) but the uptake in this group remains low. We conducted a survey study during the 2008-2009 influenza vaccination period amongst future HCWs to quantify uptake and identify barriers to immunisation. Overall uptake was 8.0% (95% CI 5.9-10.8%), which is lower than the uptake amongst current HCWs (13.4%) and short of current government targets (75%). Knowledge about influenza was good but insufficient to encourage HCWs to get vaccinated. Promotional campaigns are needed that emphasise the role of vaccination in personal and patient protection.