Perceptions of Glove Use During Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: To better understand clinic attendees' perceptions of nonsterile glove (NSG) use during vaccination and their concern for the environment.

Design: This was a cross-sectional, self-administered, in-person survey.

Methods: A nonrandom volunteer sample of vaccination clinic attendees (n = 789) completed a survey assessing their perception of NSG use during influenza vaccination administration and their concern for the environment.

Findings: Nearly all respondents equated NSG use with increased safety and professionalism. More than half of respondents reported feeling concerned about environmental waste associated with NSG use.

Conclusions: NSG are not indicated for routine vaccination. Adherence to evidence-based practices on NSG use during vaccination can substantially reduce associated medical waste. Nurses can lead by example by only using NSG when indicated.