Influenza Virus Surveillance in Healthcare Personnel in Peru: NAMRU SOUTH Experience and Perspective.

Abstract

Vaccinating healthcare personnel (HCP) is a top priority for public health globally. This strategy aims not only to protect HCP but also patients, reducing transmission of infections in healthcare services. However, improving vaccine coverage in HCP is still a challenge, especially because they are a risk group for acquiring influenza. Multicomponent influenza vaccination programs targeting behavioral, organizational, and administrative barriers are critical to ensure this priority population is vaccinated. Here, we describe a healthcare worker cohort study that was implemented in Peru, a middle-income country, in 2016, prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This cohort, which is still ongoing, has collected valuable information on influenza vaccine effectiveness, vaccine coverage, risk factors, absenteeism, and use of personal protective equipment, as well as risk of influenza disease, among others. These data can help improve knowledge not only about influenza diseases but also regarding vaccination on this specific influenza risk group in order to improve vaccine uptake.