Effect of Influenza Vaccination on General Practitioners
Author Information
Author(s): Barbara Michiels, Hilde Philips, Samuel Coenen, Fernande Yane, Toon Steinhauser, Sofie Stuyck, Joke Denekens, Paul Van Royen
Primary Institution: University of Antwerp
Hypothesis
Does giving influenza vaccination to general practitioners reduce the rate of respiratory tract infections and proven influenza cases?
Conclusion
Influenza vaccination was shown to protect against proven influenza among young GPs.
Supporting Evidence
- Half of the GPs developed a respiratory tract infection during the study.
- Vaccination reduced the incidence of positive swabs for influenza among GPs.
- Younger GPs showed a significant benefit from vaccination in preventing influenza.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether giving flu shots to doctors helps them avoid getting sick. It found that younger doctors benefit the most from the vaccine.
Methodology
A controlled trial comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated GPs over two winter periods, measuring influenza antibodies and recording RTI symptoms.
Potential Biases
Selection bias may have occurred as GPs chose whether to be vaccinated.
Limitations
The study was underpowered to detect significant effects of vaccination on RTIs with positive swabs.
Participant Demographics
General practitioners in Flanders, Belgium, with varying vaccination histories.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95%CI: 0.28 – 1.24
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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