Increasing influenza vaccination rates in long-term healthcare workers

Rates of influenza immunization in longterm care (LTC) workers are approximately 56% in the Utah. These employees work with some of the most vulnerable populations, including the elderly, chronically ill, and disabled. To address this issue, the Davis County Health Department, Division of Family Health and Senior Services convened a task force. Members of the task force included the aging Ombudsman, Senior Services (aging) staff, Immunization Bureau manager, immunization staff, and representatives from each of the 7 longterm care facilities in Davis County. The task force decided to test several interventions including on-site Health Department declination, incentives to LTC staff, and increase education and outreach efforts. Pre and post test surveys were conducted to assess healthcare workers attitudes and beliefs. The results revealed that rates of influenza immunization increase in 5 of the 7 LTC facilities. The rates increased above 92% in 3 of the facilities and above 80% in 2 of the facilities.