Abstract: The aim of this research was to explore what influences registered nurses (RNs) to have the annual influenza vaccine. In the past, influenza vaccination of health care workers has been identified as the primary method of preventing influenza transmission to at-risk groups that, by virtue of illness, congregate in and around hospitals.
Findings showed that some RNs have confidence in the influenza vaccine being effective in preventing influenza infection; however there remained a high proportion of RNs who thought that the vaccine could or might cause influenza. Participants had incorrect knowledge and beliefs about the influenza vaccine, infection and cross infection.