Table 2 Healthcare workers' vaccine safety concerns and self-assessed health history
From: Attitudes of healthcare workers in U.S. hospitals regarding smallpox vaccination
n | % | |
|---|---|---|
Topics about which more information desired* | ||
Likelihood and nature of adverse events | 639 | 28% |
Risk of a smallpox attack | 328 | 15% |
Risks and health problems of transmitting vaccinia | 339 | 15% |
Whether experts/respected peers getting vaccinated | 232 | 10% |
Length of protection from previous vaccination | 253 | 11% |
Facts about smallpox disease | 233 | 10% |
Liability and compensation | 159 | 7% |
None – no additional information needed | 48 | 2% |
Other | 14 | 1% |
Top concern | ||
Risks outweigh benefits | 566 | 53% |
Might transmit vaccinia to family or friends | 277 | 26% |
Other | 65 | 6% |
Might be expected to work with/near smallpox patient | 57 | 5% |
Might transmit vaccinia to patients | 52 | 5% |
Might have to miss work after vaccination | 39 | 4% |
Might have to work extra hours | 21 | 2% |
General type of adverse event most concerned about | ||
More frequent mild to moderate reactions | 207 | 18% |
Less frequent moderate to severe reactions | 801 | 70% |
Not particularly concerned about adverse reactions | 130 | 11% |
Self-reported history of smallpox vaccination, age < 30 | ||
Yes | 30 | 11% |
No | 215 | 78% |
Not sure | 32 | 12% |
Self-reported history of smallpox vaccination, age ≥ 30 | ||
Yes | 573 | 65% |
No | 198 | 23% |
Not sure | 106 | 12% |
Child/children < 1 year of age at home (a precaution) | ||
Yes | 72 | 6% |
No | 1065 | 94% |
With at least 1 contraindication (of list of 8) | ||
Yes (≥ 1) | 415 | 37% |
Not sure (≥ 1) | 84 | 8% |
No (none) | 620 | 55% |
Self-reported contraindications** | ||
Household member with history of eczema/atopic dermatitis | 182% | 16% |
History of eczema/atopic dermatitis | 145 | 13% |
Pregnancy or attempting to get pregnant | 88 | 8% |
Other acute, chronic, or exfoliative skin condition... | 80 | 7% |
Household member with other skin condition | 68 | 6% |
Immunosuppressed household member | 45 | 4% |
Immunosuppression | 19 | 2% |
Allergy to vaccine component | 15 | 1% |