Vaccination of Employees' Family Members at the University of Chicago

Background: In preparation for the H1N1 influenza pandemic, the Section of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the University of Chicago implemented an influenza vaccination program to serve family members of medical center and university employees.  The goal of this program was to immunize employees’ family members to prevent/decrease workplace absenteeism and lost productivity. 

Setting: The University of Chicago Medical Center and Univerisity of Chicago.

Population: Family members of Univeristy of  Medical Center and University employees.

Project Description: To reduce transmission of influenza, and to reduce absenteeism due to employees caring for sick family members, we establish an immunization program to provide both H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccine to family members (in particular, children) of employees.  Established clinic patients followed at the medical center were also offered immunization.  Initially, news of the clinic and of vaccine availability traveled widely by word-of-mouth.  Subsequently, clinic activities and vaccine availability were advertised on the medical center intranet.  Immunizations were offered by appointment at evening and weekend clinic sessions.  Employee’s insurance was billed for immunization services

Results/Lessons Learned:To reduce transmission of influenza, and to reduce absenteeism due to employees caring for sick family members, we establish an immunization program to provide both H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccine to family members (in particular, children) of employees.  Established clinic patients followed at the medical center were also offered immunization.  Initially, news of the clinic and of vaccine availability traveled widely by word-of-mouth.  Subsequently, clinic activities and vaccine availability were advertised on the medical center intranet.  Immunizations were offered by appointment at evening and weekend clinic sessions.  Employee’s insurance was billed for immunization services