142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

Annual Meeting Recordings are now available for purchase

301579
Translating evidence into action: Sharing economic outcomes with employers to impact vaccination policies and practices

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Monday, November 17, 2014

Cori Ofstead, MSPH , Ofstead & Associates, Inc., Saint Paul, MN
Evan Doyle, BS , Ofstead & Associates, Inc., Saint Paul, MN
Harry Wetzler, MD, MSPH , Ofstead & Associates, Inc., Saint Paul, MN
Bruce Sherman, MD , Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
Background and Objectives: The Worksite Influenza Vaccination Study (WIVS) was a multisite, prospective study conducted to evaluate the impact of customized, evidence-based interventions on vaccination rates among industrial employees and dependents. Following study completion, findings were presented to corporate decision-makers to encourage expansion of vaccination programs. Methods: Researchers met individually with medical directors, benefits consultants, and wellness program vendors from 18 corporations to share findings, including survey (baseline N=1,000; follow-up N=1,260) and claims data (N=13,520). Participants shared information on their corporations’ vaccination program features and outcomes. Results: All employers offered onsite influenza vaccination for employees. Dependents, part-timers, and contractors were typically not invited to participate. Vaccination rates were variable (20% to 84%% U.S.; 70% Brazil; 95% Mexico) and decreasing over time. Educational programs were the main strategy for increasing vaccination rates, but were not effective. Employers had not established program goals and vendors were not held accountable for outcomes. WIVS data that resonated with participants included economic findings (employees had symptoms (45%), presenteeism (82%), absenteeism (31%), lost wages ($700,000), and healthcare utilization (30%) due to influenza-like illness); the failure of educational programs; and low vaccine uptake among employees with multiple comorbidities and >6 visits to healthcare providers during influenza season (39%). Employers recommended setting goals, inviting families to participate, bringing vaccine to workstations, and developing return-on-investment models. Conclusions: Employers and wellness program vendors have an economic interest in preventing influenza. Program strategies may be impacted by evidence regarding the effect of vaccination on productivity, healthcare costs, and employee engagement.

Learning Areas:

Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Occupational health and safety
Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control

Learning Objectives:
Discuss methods for sharing results with key decision makers in major corporations to maximize the impact of research findings. Describe evidence demonstrating that employees are not receiving vaccine through their medical providers, even when they have multiple comorbidities that place them at high risk for complications of influenza. Identify strategies for enhancing employer-sponsored vaccination programs for employees and dependents.

Keyword(s): Immunizations, Health Promotion and Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I was the co-principal investigator for the Worksite Influenza Vaccination Study, and have designed and conducted several studies related to occupational health, wellness programs, and infection prevention. One of my interests is decision-making by healthcare providers, payors, and patients/employees. I serve as a reviewer for three journals (Preventive Medicine, AJIC, and Vaccine) and have spoken at several national conferences.
Any relevant financial relationships? Yes

Name of Organization Clinical/Research Area Type of relationship
Ofstead & Associates, Inc. Epidemiology and outcomes Employment (includes retainer)
Pfizer Vaccination Independent Contractor (contracted research and clinical trials)
Sanofi Pasteur Influenza vaccination Independent Contractor (contracted research and clinical trials)

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3308.0: Interesting OHS Topics I