Coverage of theHCWsas target population is one of the important determinants for the impact of vaccination.
To determine the vaccination against the pandemic influenza A/H1N1 among HCWs, we conducted
a cross-sectional questionnaire survey in a public hospital in Istanbul from December 7 to December 22,
2009. Out of total 941 HCWs 718 (76.3%) completed the questionnaires. Nearly one-fourth (23.1%) of the
participants were vaccinated against pandemic influenza A/H1N1. Occupation (being a doctor), receiving
seasonal influenza vaccine in 2009, agreement with safety of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 vaccine and
being comprehend that HCWs have a professional responsibility for getting vaccinated was the strongest
independent predictive factor for accepting the pandemic influenza A/H1N1 vaccine (p < .0001). The most
frequent reasons for refusing pandemic vaccine were fear of side effects and doubts about vaccine efficacy.
Among HCWs 59.6% were recommending pandemic influenza vaccination to a patient even if indicated.
In conclusion vaccination against pandemic influenza A/H1N1 is insufficient among HCWs. Misinformed
or inadequately informed HCWs are important barrier to pandemic influenza vaccine coverage of the
general public also. Educational campaigns concerning HCWs should include evidence based and comprehensible
information about possible adverse effects and their incidence besides the advantages of
vaccine.