Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of this session participants will be able to create a contest targeted to increase flu immunization among health care workers.


Background:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 64% of healthcare workers (HCW) do not receive annual influenza vaccinations. These HCW put themselves, their families, and their patients at serious risk. In 2004, the San Diego County Immunization Branch's Immunization Management Consultancy (IMC) developed a contest targeted to health care workers to encourage HCWs to receive flu shots. The IMC team used lessons learned from 2004 to develop a revised campaign in 2005. The Branch is interested in evaluating the contest in a “normal” vaccine year.


Setting:
Local and county


Population:
Health Care Workers


Project Description:
The 2005 campaign again targets San Diego County private providers, Community Clinics, and Public Health Centers. The purpose of a HCW-focused initiative is to increase healthcare worker influenza vaccination rates by providing incentives, promote influenza vaccination in the community, lead by example, and decrease mortality and morbidity attributable to influenza among San Diego County residents in 2005-2006. The primary strategy under consideration is to foster inter-practice/clinic competition for high HCW influenza vaccination coverage rates. The initiative was again marketed as the “Vaccinate Your Staff” Contest. Prizes will be awarded to the first practice sites that achieve their target coverage rate.


Results/Lessons Learned:
Coverage rates among entries in 2004-2005 suggested that incentivized competition is an effective method for increasing influenza coverage rates. Communication of contest materials is key. Identifying prizes and funding for the contest can be difficult and should begin significantly before flu season. Using Memorandums of Agreements with contest contributors is essential to offering prizes or incentives.