“I Got My Flu Shot for the Children.” the Impact of Influenza Video Education on Vaccine Uptake among Nurses

Background:
Influenza vaccine uptake among healthcare professionals (HCP) is low. Research shows that unvaccinated HCP can transmit influenza to patients. We developed an influenza education video featuring nursing leadership, physicians, and parents of a child who died from influenza. The video targeted nurses and addressed misperceptions about influenza, the risk influenza infection poses to vulnerable patients, and urged nurses to protect patients. using the slogan “I got my flu shot for the children.”

Setting:
Large pediatric hospital in the Greater Houston Area

Population:
Nurses

Project Description:
Influenza vaccine was offered free-of-charge to all employees at well-advertised and widely-accessible locations beginning in October, 2008. Vaccine was also available via a mobile vaccine cart for nurses who were unable to receive vaccine at central locations. The influenza video was incorporated into online nurse education training in November, 2008. The effect of the video on nurses who had not yet received vaccine was measured through vaccine uptake and reasons for declination. The goal of the nursing education video is to raise influenza vaccine coverage to 75%.

Results/Lessons Learned:
During the 2007-2008 influenza season, 63% (n=2,548) HCP with direct patient contact received influenza vaccine, while 21% (n=864) declined and 16% (n=639) did not respond. Reasons for declination included previous belief, medical contraindication, received elsewhere, and availability issues. Prior to video introduction, during the 2008-2009 season, 49% (n=2,030) of HCP received vaccine, 5% (n=218) declined, and 46% (n=1,885) did not respond. Uptake will be monitored throughout the remainder of the season. • Influenza vaccine education aimed at dispelling myths increases vaccine uptake;
• Educating nurses on how the risk of transmitting influenza to patients increases vaccine uptake;
• Requiring completion of a declination form increases vaccine uptake among nurses.