Abstract

BackgroundSince 2011 our health system has achieved >90% employee influenza vaccination via a 3-week intensive nonmandatory program offering entrance location vaccinations. We partnered with Emergency Management to consolidate this process into 1 day, fulfilling a dual purpose of conducting an emergency vaccination drill.MethodsThe health system comprises 2 hospitals (913-bed and 250-bed) and campuses, multiple off-campus clinical and nonclinical sites, and a free-standing emergency department, employing nearly 12,000 people in 4 states. A multidisciplinary team planned the drill, scheduled 4 am-9 pm at 3 locations in the 2 hospitals. In addition, roving vaccination teams visited all off-campus sites to either perform vaccinations or deliver supplies. Employees not scheduled to work were encouraged but not required to come in; all eligible employees working that day were expected to be vaccinated. Nonemployees (including physicians, volunteers and retirees) were also included. To promote the event, we developed posters and other communications using a #HitMeWithYourFluShot hashtag, and included radio stations, therapy dogs, photo booths and other activities. After the event we surveyed participants to elicit feedback.ResultsDuring the 1-day event we vaccinated 7267 (69%) employees, along with 1594 nonemployees, similar to prior 3-week campaigns (figure). Nearly 300 employees volunteered to vaccinate or perform other duties. The roving teams visited 81 practices at 42 separate locations, traveling >250 miles. Of those completing the post-event survey (n = 656), 79% found the event very convenient, and 61% of those who had participated in prior campaigns found this format somewhat or much better. Employee vaccination rates for the entire season was 92%.ConclusionThis effort demonstrated that we could achieve high levels of employee flu vaccination in a single day in a large and geographically diverse healthcare system, using a mass vaccination drill format that included multiple sites of vaccination as well as roving vaccination and transport teams. We identified the lack of a master list with locations of all off-campus employees as the greatest opportunity. Participants favorably accepted the drill format and employee engagement was high. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

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