Influenza prevention among hospital employees in Poland – a narrative review

Healthcare workers having close contact with patients are particularly vulnerable to influenza virus infection and may serve as a source of transmission. Despite WHO recommendations regarding annual influenza vaccination, the vaccination rate in this professional group in Poland remains very low. Scientific data on the effectiveness of influenza prevention methods are presented in the article. Additionally, attitudes toward influenza vaccination in Poland are analyzed based on a cross-sectional survey conducted at 3 university hospitals in Warsaw. The survey revealed that only 29.9% of respondents perceived vaccination as effective in preventing influenza, while 52.8% pointed to hand hygiene as the primary preventive measure. Significant differences were identified between professional groups, with physicians more likely than nurses to recognize vaccination efficacy (84% vs. 42.4%). The lack of willingness to undergo vaccination is primarily attributed to insufficient knowledge regarding vaccine safety and efficacy, concerns about adverse effects, and limited access to vaccines. Implementation of free workplace vaccinations and educational campaigns is suggested as a means to significantly increase vaccination coverage among healthcare personnel in Poland. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(5).