Healthcare Worker Participation in Influenza Vaccination

Abstract

ISSUE: Influenza outbreaks in long-term care can be devastating, not only to patients but to staffing. Our goal was to increase the number of healthcare workers that would receive the influenza vaccination, from the previous year, to protect patients, reduce staff illness and absenteeism during influenza season, and reduce the spread of influenza to and from healthcare workers and patients. In previous years our staff influenza vaccination rate was 37.6% in 2000/2001, 46.8% in 2001/2002, and 47.6% in 2002/2003. In order to meet our goal, we had a week long “Flu Fair.” PROJECT: Our long-term care facility began advertising for the “Flu Fair” about one month prior to the administration of the influenza vaccine. Colorful posters were created and displayed through out the facility alerting staff about the upcoming event, including dates, times, and locations, and the possibility of winning a prize. Staff received educational information regarding influenza, the benefits for long-term care patients, and the cost of missing work due to influenza. There was no cost to the employee for influenza vaccination. During the “Flu Fair” week, when the employee received the vaccination, they filled out a slip of paper and placed their name into a drawing. The sooner you receive the flu vaccination, the more chances you have to win a prize. At the end of each day, there would be a daily drawing for a $50 gift certificate. On the last day of the week, one name would be drawn to win a 27inch color television. After the “Flu Fair,” vaccinations were still available to staff. Two weeks later, a pizza party was given for all staff members that received the flu vaccination as a way of thanking them taking the vaccination. Only staff that received the vaccine during the “Flu Fair” could participate. RESULTS: We were very satisfied with the results of the “Flu Fair,” our staff influenza vaccination rate went from 47.6 % in 2002-2003 to 84.4% in 2003-2004. Positive feedback from staff has helped the program become an accepted annual event. LESSONS LEARNED: There are many misconceptions regarding influenza and vaccination. By providing staff with information about this prior to the influenza season, staff had an opportunity to learn and ask questions about influenza. They realized how important it is to get vaccinated in order to protect out patients. Staff members who normally could not afford to get the vaccination were able to receive the vaccine for free. The daily prize drawings and the thank-you gift of free lunch served as a positive motivation to the staff and as a reward for taking the influenza vaccination.