Tailoring immunization programmes for seasonal influenza (TIP FLU). Understanding health care workers’ uptake of seasonal influenza vaccination in Montenegro: a case study for policy-makers and programme managers

Seasonal influenza vaccination of health care workers is recommended to protect them and their patients from infection and to reduce the risk of hospital- or health-care-acquired influenza. Although annual vaccination of health care workers against seasonal influenza is recommended in most countries in the WHO European Region, uptake remains low.

The WHO Regional Office for Europe tested a new approach, tailoring immunization programmes for seasonal influenza (TIP FLU), to design evidence-informed solutions to increase uptake. TIP FLU is grounded in theories of behaviour change and models for planning health programmes, and provides tools for designing programmes for seasonal influenza vaccination of health care workers, tailored to specific contexts and the needs of countries or health care institutions.

This case study documents the application of TIP FLU in Montenegro, focusing on the formative phase. When accompanied by the TIP FLU guide, it can be used to apply the approach to conduct formative research, and design and evaluate programmes for seasonal influenza vaccination of health care workers in a particular context.