Retrospective seasonal influenza vaccination rates and illnesses among non-health insured employees at Virginia tech

Data on vaccination rates and incidence of influenza-like illnesses are collected only for employees receiving health insurance through their Virginia Tech employment, but not for staff who is not eligible for health benefits. These data gaps hinder proper assessment of university personnel immunity and influenza like illness incidence, and pose a challenge when planning effective and efficient vaccination campaigns. Determine, based on a survey and supplemented by 3-year retrospective data, vaccine coverage and influenza-like illness incidence in non-health insured Virginia Tech employees, and compare to vaccine coverage and incidence in insured employees. A survey will be prepared and distributed to Virginia Tech employees to obtain data on past health benefit status, vaccination for seasonal influenza, and incidence of influenza-like illness in school years 2009/2010 through 2011/2012. These data will be supplemented by local health department data from a campaign targeting specifically non-insured Virginia Tech employees, and medical claims data from 2009 through 2012 from the Virginia Department of Human Resources and Management (DHRM). Data will be analyzed using univariate and multivariable categorical data analysis methods including logistic regression in SAS®. Results are expected to indicate an association of health benefit status and vaccination status in Virginia Tech employees in past years. Findings will influence university personnel education and vaccination policies and, if warranted, lead to targeting in particular non-health insured employees for future seasonal influenza vaccination campaigns.