Interventions targeting healthcare worker influenza vaccination: A systematic review

Healthcare workers (HCWs) have notably low influenza vaccination coverage rates (VCR) despite influenza being one of the world’s deadliest viruses. Interventions have attempted to tackle this issue, yet they have been unsuccessful in reaching desirable HCW VCR. In a systematic review, we aimed to understand and examine the specific behavior change methods of interventions that impact HCW VCR. Based on 86 studies, we identified 35 different behavior change methods. Although meta-analyses were not possible, the results suggest that interventions using rewards, nudging, or mass-media persuasion were most effective. Mandates, though one of the most effective methods, was not the most effective. Additionally, in the studies from 2016 onward there was a shift away from mandates and toward more autonomy-supportive methods. Ultimately, more research is needed to understand what methods are best for increasing HCW VCR globally. What is essential is the correct fit between identified psychosocial determinants and the method for change, considering the parameters of those methods in their application.