Taking the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Challenge: Education and Communication Strategies with the U. S. Dept of Veterans Affairs

Within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system, influenza vaccination has long been recognized as the most important means available for preventing and controlling influenza. As the nation's largest single health care provider, VA delivers care for enrolled veterans through over 150 acute care facilities and more than 800 community-based outpatient clinics, domicilaries and community living centers (nursing homes). VA recognizes influenza as a serious and even deadly disease. Each year the VA sets goals for the upcoming influenza vaccination season. In FY08, VA achieved its goals of vaccinating at least 75% of patients, and at least 60% of employees. To prepare for FY2009 flu season, VA purchased over 2 million doses of flu vaccine for administration to its staff and patients. To support and guide national vaccination campaign efforts, VA programs such as public health, occupational health, patient safety, health prevention and employee education collaborate to develop and deliver an array of education and communication resource materials for use in its facilities through the nation. This provides front-line field clinicians with tools to promote information on seasonal flu, hand and respiratory hygiene, as well as policy guidance for clinical care and vaccine delivery. An annual 200 page seasonal flu manual provides up to date CDC and ACIP guidance, best practices for increasing flu vaccination rates, and answers to “frequently asked questions”. Other resource materials include over 100 educational posters, buttons, stickers and materials to assist providers toward reaching goals for vaccination of staff and enrolled patients.