Abstract
BackgroundWHO has set a goal of 75% vaccination coverage (VC) for seasonal influenza for residents and also recommends immunization for all healthcare workers (HCWs) in nursing homes (NHs). We conducted a cross-sectional study to estimate the VC for seasonal influenza vaccination in Norwegian NHs in 2012/2013 since the VC in NHs and HCWs is unknown.MethodsWe gathered information from NHs concerning VC for residents and HCWs, and vaccination costs for HCWs, using a web-based questionnaire. We calculated VC among NH residents by dividing the number of residents vaccinated by the total number of residents for each NH. VC among HCWs was similarly calculated by dividing the number of HCWs vaccinated by the total number of HCWs for each NH. The association between VC and possible demographic variables were explored.ResultsOf 910 NHs, 354 (38.9%) responded. Median VC per NH was 71.7% (range 0-100) among residents and 0% (range 0-100) among HCWs, with 214 (60%) NHs reporting that none of their HCWs was vaccinated. Median VC for HCWs in NHs with an annual vaccination campaign was 0% (range 0-53), compared to when they did not have an annual vaccination campaign 0% (range 0-12); the distributions in the two groups differed significantly (Mann–Whitney U, P = 0.006 two tailed).ConclusionMedian influenza VC in Norwegian NHs was marginally lower than recommended among residents and exceptionally low among HCWs. The VC in HCWs was significantly higher when NHs had an annual vaccination campaign. We recommend that NHs implement measures to increase VC among residents and HCWs, including vaccination campaigns and studies to identify potential barriers to vaccination.
Highlights
World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal of 75% vaccination coverage (VC) for seasonal influenza for residents and recommends immunization for all healthcare workers (HCWs) in nursing homes (NHs)
Residents in nursing homes (NHs) and long-term care facilities (LTCF) are at higher risk of severe respiratory tract infections owing to old age, the number of underlying illnesses, and close living conditions [1,2,3]
For HCWs, the median vaccination coverage was 0% (Table 1), with 214 (60%) NHs reporting that none of their HCWs was vaccinated
Summary
WHO has set a goal of 75% vaccination coverage (VC) for seasonal influenza for residents and recommends immunization for all healthcare workers (HCWs) in nursing homes (NHs). We conducted a cross-sectional study to estimate the VC for seasonal influenza vaccination in Norwegian NHs in 2012/2013 since the VC in NHs and HCWs is unknown. The infection can be recommendations relating to seasonal influenza, the aim being to achieve a minimum VC of 75% in Norwegian NHs [7]. Seasonal influenza vaccination for residents in NHs is reimbursed by the state in Norway. This is in contrast to influenza vaccination of HCWs, for whom each employer decides whether it is to be given free of charge. The yearly influenza vaccination is normally conducted during October and November [7]
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