Low vaccination rates in healthcare

Healthcare professionals have low vaccination rates for influenza and Covid-19, despite their role in public health decisions. Reports indicate that influenza vaccination coverage among them is "not increasing and remains largely insufficient," with rates at 20% in healthcare facilities and 21% in EHPADs during the 2024-2025 season.

Vaccination rates vary by profession

Vaccination coverage varies significantly depending on the job. In healthcare facilities and EHPADs, the rate is highest among doctors, then "successively decreasing among midwives, nurses and nursing assistants," according to the High Authority for Health. Professor Élisabeth Bouvet confirms this trend, noting a consistent "professional gradient in vaccination coverage" over the past decade.

Private practice shows higher rates

In private practice, "no official data from national surveys is available," but "surveys report higher vaccination coverage than in institutions, ranging from 63% to 86% depending on the groups and regions." However, these rates should be taken with caution, as the data are based "on small samples." A study found that around 71% of private practice nurses were vaccinated in 2018-2019.

Factors influencing vaccination rates

Several factors influence vaccination coverage, including the specialty of practice, gender, and previous vaccination history. Professor Bouvet notes that healthcare workers in intensive care or maternity wards are more vaccinated, as these areas care for higher-risk populations. Men have better acceptance of vaccination than women, and those with a history of severe flu are more likely to be vaccinated.

Vaccine effectiveness concerns

The lack of vaccine effectiveness is a main concern. According to the High Authority for Health, the effectiveness of the flu vaccine fluctuates between 44 and 73%, depending on the match between circulating strains and those in the vaccine. Catherine Bouissou, a nurse and union leader, argues that the vaccine's effectiveness on disease and transmission is not proven, which affects healthcare workers' willingness to get vaccinated.

Fear of adverse effects

Another obstacle is the fear of adverse effects. Bouissou demands "information about their risks," citing concerns about the lack of transparency regarding risks associated with the Covid vaccine, which has caused deaths and serious side effects in some cases. She notes that suspicion about the rapid development of the vaccine has "frozen" the situation.

Safety profile of vaccines

Professor Bouvet states that vaccines against Covid-19 have an excellent safety profile, with a very positive benefit-risk balance. She notes that out of tens of millions of people vaccinated in France, about twenty deaths have been directly attributed to the vaccine, linked to very rare thromboses from certain types of vaccines, with no direct link established for mRNA vaccines.

Mandatory vaccination controversy

The issue of mandatory vaccination remains a subject of tension. Unionized nursing assistants argue that "the history of mandatory vaccination makes the situation tense," and that mandates on vaccines with low effectiveness add to the doubt among healthcare workers.

Non-adherence as expression of resentment

Non-adherence to the flu vaccination seems to be an expression of general resentment towards authorities. Professor Bouvet notes that "something has crystallized around this vaccination, especially among paramedics," with nursing assistants and nurses mobilizing due to a lack of effectiveness and dissatisfaction with administrative and medical authorities.

Training to combat hesitancy

To combat vaccine hesitancy, a literature review published in 2022 recommended improving training on vaccination in healthcare professionals' education. The National Council of the Order of Nurses also emphasized the need to strengthen training in initial and continuing education, particularly regarding vaccine hesitancy.

Improvement in other vaccines

Vaccination coverage against whooping cough and measles among healthcare professionals has increased since 2010, although these vaccines are not mandatory. In 2019, coverage was 54% for whooping cough and 73% for measles. These vaccines may be more accepted due to their non-annual requirement and the high-risk populations they protect.

Combating vaccine misinformation

The European project JitsuVAX, initiated in 2020, aims to combat false information about vaccination. It provides tools to understand and address vaccine misinformation, including identifying 11 main psychological reasons people believe in false information and advice on how to respond to such beliefs. The project's website helps healthcare workers better understand their own vaccine hesitancy.