Can You Build a Better Mousetrap?: What's New With Healthcare Worker Influenza Immunization in San Diego

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to describe new interventions implemented in 15 hospitals to improve influenza vaccination of their healthcare workers.

Background:
Healthcare worker (HCW) annual influenza immunization coverage rates are inadequate (<50%) in the US. The San Diego Hospital Influenza Immunization Partnership, a collaborative effort of 15 hospitals, the UCSD School of Medicine, and the County of San Diego HHSA Immunization Branch, was formed to share information and raise HCW influenza immunization rates across the entire community.

Objectives:
Document new interventions in 15 hospitals in San Diego County to immunize their HCW population against influenza.

Methods:
Key informant interviews and discussions within the collaborative were conducted to identify new interventions. Employee surveys were used to determine what motivated employees those not previously immunized to get immunized. The number of influenza vaccines, use of LAIV, and delivery venue was tracked throughout the season. Types and frequency of promotional activities were also monitored.

Results:
The reasons given by HCW for not obtaining an influenza vaccine in 2006-2007 were similar to 2005-2006 and include concern about adverse events from the vaccine, belief that HCWs are not susceptible to influenza, and belief that the vaccine is not effective. HCW's not immunized in 2005-2006 but immunized in 2006-2007 cited mobile vaccination, Employee/Occupation Health recommendations, and increased promotion as reasons for seeking immunization. Only 27.1% of surveyed HCWs in 2006-2007 were asked to sign a declination statement. New programs implemented included mandatory training on influenza immunization, year-round declaration of intent to be immunized, and adding or expanding mobile vaccination methods.

Conclusions:
HCWs share the same myths concerning influenza vaccine as the general public. Sharing best practices in HCW influenza immunization across a community led to some creative strategies to improve influenza immunization coverage rates.