Influenza Vaccination Among Healthcare Personnel in California, 2010–2011 Influenza Season

Background: Influenza vaccination among healthcare personnel (HCP) is a key measure to prevent influenza infection and transmission in healthcare settings. This study described influenza vaccination promotion programs and coverage among employees in various healthcare settings in California and examined factors associated with HCP influenza vaccination. Methods: This study used data collected to evaluate a facility-level reporting measure of HCP influenza vaccination coverage, which had received time-limited endorsement from the National Quality Forum. Facility characteristics and data on vaccination receipt within and outside facilities were collected using web-based questionnaires. Employees were defined as all persons in the facility payroll system regardless of patient contact. Data analysis included 111 facilities recruited through state-wide invitation; employee vaccination coverage was calculated for the 91 facilities reporting complete, valid data. Overall vaccination coverage pooling all facility data was also calculated. Results: The mean vaccination coverage was 60.7% overall; 64.6% for acute care hospitals (n=30), 54.7% for long-term care facilities (n=22), 59.4% for ambulatory surgery centers (n=8), 58.6% for dialysis centers (n=25), and 77.2% for physician practices (n=6). The pooled vaccination coverage was 66.3% among all healthcare employees studied (n=85,323). Vaccination promotion methods such as risk-benefit education, personal reminders, and vaccination data tracking and feedback were significantly associated with increased vaccination coverage. Conclusions: The study findings suggest variations in HCP vaccination coverage by type of healthcare setting as well as substantial challenges in reaching the Healthy People 2020 goal of 90% coverage for HCP. Healthcare facilities should use comprehensive promotion methods to improve HCP influenza vaccination.