Practicing, Attitudes and Beliefs of Physicians at Al-Emamain Medical City towards Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Hussain Nibras Alaa1, Al-Yasseri Berq J. Hadi1 1Family &Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq Online published on 23 December, 2019. Abstract Background Influenza viruses are the causes of influenza epidemics in human. The virus has the characteristic of antigenic drift with a continuous emergence of new antigenic variants which are responsible for seasonal epidemics. Thus, the available vaccines should be annually adjusted in order to give the required protection level. Most health associated international organizations recommend annual vaccination of almost all people ≥ 6 months old, particularly those at high risk. Objectives The study is an attempt to display the practicing, attitudes and Beliefs of physicians at AlEmamain Al-Kadhumain medical city towards Seasonal Influenza Vaccination. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Emamain Al-Kadhumain medical city, from February to end of April, 2018. A total of 306 physicians were interviewed using semi constructed Questionnaires especially prepared for this purpose. Results The rate of vaccine uptake among this sample was (29.7%). 79.9% of them believed the Flu-vaccine was safe, 69%of them see it needed and 71% of whom take the vaccine, regard it effective in preventing Flu and it's complications. There was significant relation between Flu-Vaccination and gender and also with the wards where the physicians work. Conclusion Flu-vaccination rates among the physicians was low, despite most of them were think the vaccine was safe, needed and effective. About two third of them disagree to give the vaccine to pregnant women. Top Keywords Influenza vaccine, attitude, physicians. Top |