Objectives:
By annually publishing the Preventive Vaccinations Programme, the Main Sanitary Inspectorate implements international guidelines referring to the prophylaxis of influenza, which recommend medical staff to regularly undergo vaccinations. The aim of the study was to become familiar with the opinion of healthcare employees – physicians, nurses, midwives and paramedics, regarding the recommended vaccinations against influenza, and determining the factors which affect the frequency of undergoing vaccinations – regular prophylaxis, irregular prophylaxis, or lack of prophylaxis.

Material and methods:
The study enrolled 105 employees of the Hospital in Bielsko-Biała – 30 physicians, 55 nurses and midwives and 20 paramedics. Participation in the anonymous survey study was voluntary.

Results:
In the studied group, 67.3% declared not undergoing vaccinations against influenza – this number included 78.1% of the nurses/midwives and 75% of the paramedics. Undergoing vaccinations irregularly was reported by 20.2% of all the respondents, whereas regularly by only 12.5%. The percentage of respondents undergoing regular or sporadic vaccinations in particular occupational groups is as follows: 59.8% among physicians, 21.8% among nurses/midwives and 25% among paramedics.

Conclusions:
1. Despite international recommendations, only a small percentage of medical staff reported undergoing vaccinations against influenza. 2. The professional group who most often declared performing preventive vaccinations against flu were doctors. 3. The main reason for undergoing vaccination was the wish to prevent falling ill, whereas the reason for not undergoing vaccination was the lack of faith in the effectiveness of the vaccine.