KEYWORD1:
Adult Immunization, Healthcare Providers, Vaccination, Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

BACKGROUND:
Immunization coverage levels for adults need to be improved. Current immunizations are especially important for healthcare providers; not only to protect against possible exposure to infectious diseases, but to set a precedence of the importance of vaccinations. Every clinic visit results in a potential barrier for immunization promotion when a patient encounters a providers’ beliefs and practices toward healthcare.

OBJECTIVE:
To determine the immunization coverage levels for healthcare staff in clinics that provide and promote immunization services.

METHOD:
In October and November of 2002, 144 clinics that provide immunization services were contacted to participate in a survey assessing the current immunization status of clinic staff. Each clinic was faxed a self-administered survey that evaluated the status of staff immunization and/or disease history for MMR, varicella, tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and influenza.

RESULT:
Preliminary data for 402 staff members was collected from 50 clinics, a 35% response rate. Staff reported vaccination and/or disease history for MMR, 86% (338/392); varicella, 91% (364/401); tetanus, 82% (329/402); hepatitis A, 29% (116/402); hepatitis B, 84% (338/402); influenza in 2001, 76% (304/402); influenza in 2002, 72% (291/402) and 29% (28/96) of the remaining staff were planning on receiving their influenza vaccination.

CONCLUSION:
The range of immunization coverage for healthcare clinic staff was 72% to 91%, for the recommended immunizations. Healthcare providers are primary contacts in outbreaks and epidemics and need to be protected from infectious agents. Adult immunization needs to be promoted to increase coverage for adequate protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.
LEARNINGOBJECTIVES:
To increase awareness of provider preparedness for possible exposure to infectious agents and being a possible barrier for promoting and providing immunization services.