Improving Influenza Immunizations for Police Officers

Background:
The American Medical Association (AMA) is the nation's largest physician membership organization in the United States and is regarded as a national leader on issues relating to physician practice and the health of the public. Influenza is still a prevalent and costly disease in the United States. Each year 5% to 20% of the United States population will get influenza. Despite awareness of the debilitating nature of influenza, many adults still do not receive their annual influenza vaccination because of misconceptions about vaccine safety, availability or efficacy. As a result, additional educational efforts are needed to increase awareness especially among populations that are more at risk for contracting this infection. Police and other first responders are highly susceptible to influenza infection because of their repeated and increased exposure to the general public. Studies have shown that vaccination of healthy working adults less than 65 years of age reduces rates of absenteeism, physician visits and lost workdays, providing an economic benefit to vaccinating against influenza.

Objectives:
To identify approximate influenza vaccination coverage rates for Chicago Police Officers.
To identify knowledge about the influenza vaccine among Police officers.
To improve knowlegde and coverage rates of chicago police officers with additional vaccine clinics and educational materials.

Methods:
Educational materials, including posters, paycheck inserts and brochures were created for the chicago police department. Additionally, free influenza shots were given during the fall benefits fair. A follow-up survey was conducted in early February to identify if any of these components increased the uptake of the influenza vaccine in this population

Results:
Not available at the time of submission.

Conclusions:
Not available at the time of submission.