The issue of mandatory vaccination for healthcare workers in Europe

Abstract

Mandatory policies have occasionally been implemented, targeting optimal vaccination uptake among healthcare workers (HCWs). Herein, we analyze the existing recommendations in European countries and discuss the feasibility of implementing mandatory vaccination for HCWs. As reflected by a survey among vaccine experts from 29 European countries, guidelines on HCW vaccination were issued in all countries, though with substantial differences in targeted diseases, HCW groups and type of recommendation. Mandatory policies were only exceptionally implemented. Results from a second survey suggested that such policies would not become easily adopted, and recommendations might work better if focusing on specific HCW groups and appropriate diseases such as hepatitis B, influenza and measles. In conclusion, guidelines for HCW vaccination, but not mandatory policies, are widely adopted in Europe. Recommendations targeting specific HCW groups and diseases might be better accepted and facilitate higher vaccine uptake than policies vaguely targeting all HCW groups.