The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant healthcare worker shortages due to furloughs, resignations, and the redeployment of high-risk staff particularly affecting Emergency Departments (ED) and Intensive Care Units (ICU). In response, the states of Victoria and New South Wales mandated COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations for frontline clinicians. This study examined ED and ICU workforce's perspectives on mandating influenza vaccination. We employed a quantitative cross-sectional study incorporating qualitative thematic analysis. An online multi-part questionnaire for ED and ICU staff working in all Australian states and territories was conducted between 15th August – 30th November 2023. A total of 540 respondents (6.4% of the workforce) participated, 73% female. Influenza vaccination uptake in 2022 was high (89%). Overall, 58% supported mandatory vaccination and 72% believed mandates would improve uptake; this belief was strongly associated with prior vaccination ( p < 0.001). Vaccinated respondents were more likely to have children ≤5 years ( p = 0.003). While 42% felt mandates could contribute to staff resignations, most (81%) reported no impact on their own tenure, with variation across professional groups ( p = 0.021). Qualitative findings highlighted protection of self and others and compliance as key motivators, while concerns about autonomy, trust, access, and ethics underpinned opposition. Influenza vaccine uptake was high, with most respondents supporting mandates or their effectiveness. Despite concerns about autonomy and workforce impact, most did not anticipate personal job changes. Findings suggest a pragmatic balance of professional responsibility and individual ethics. Future strategies should emphasise transparent communication, access, education, clear exemptions, alongside longitudinal evaluation of workforce outcomes.
Osman et al. (Fri,) studied this question.