305974
State of the Science Update: Influenza Vaccination Rates
According to global estimates, there are several million cases of severe influenza illness annually resulting in 250,000 to 500,000 excess deaths. Prevention of influenza infection is the best intervention available to health care providers due to antivirals limited efficacy and availability. Since the 2009-2010 flu season, the CDC has recommended universal administration of seasonal influenza vaccination annually (except infants <6 months). Despite this recommendation, less than 40% of adults in the United States received the vaccine the past two flu cycles. Among children < 18 years only 54.9% received the flu vaccine in 2012-2013. The implications of under-vaccination are increased disease-related morbidity and mortality, economic impacts from increased absenteeism and presenteeism, and diminished health care capacity to care for impacted patients.
Description
Recent epidemiologic studies and technical reports on influenza vaccination rates in the U.S. were reviewed along with vaccination recommendations from professional organizations. Studies noting the impact of influenza-like illness on workforce productivity and the economy were included. Likewise, studies of healthcare worker (HCW) vaccination rates were used to make an assessment on the capacity of the healthcare workforce to respond to an influenza pandemic.
Implications
This talk will review current seasonal influenza vaccination rates among the general US population and HCWs and challenge attendees to examine their personal beliefs about the influenza vaccine in the context of influences on patient care and public health. Common factors that influence vaccination status will be presented in conjunction with successful strategies to increase vaccination rates.
Learning Areas:
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programsProvision of health care to the public
Public health or related nursing
Learning Objectives:
Explain the impact of low vaccination rates on public health and safety.
Critically examine the impact of provider recommendation and education of seasonal influenza vaccine uptake.
Keyword(s): Immunizations, Nurses/Nursing
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a doctoral student interested in researching critical care surge capacity and the ability of the health care workforce to respond to a pandemic flu.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
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.