Selected occupation groups such as police, fire and medical services are considered "essential" to the operation of a community. Influenza immunization helps ensure that this "essential" workforce will be able to fulfill their responsibilities. Conducted during March 2000, information about physician's personal receipt of flu vaccine, office policies concerning staff immunizations, and illness experience were solicited for the 1999-2000 flu season. A response rate of 43.2% (118/273) was reached after a single mailing followed by a reminder postcard.
Overall, 73.7% of the physicians had received a flu vaccination for the 1999-2000 season. Of the remaining unvaccinated physicians, 15.3% were vaccinated in the past but not during the current flu season, while 11% had never received influenza vaccination. The strongest predictors of vaccination were the physician's age (increased compliance with increased age), medical specialty (pediatricians have the highest rate), and practice type (group practices have higher rates than solo practices).
Few offices require (7.7%), but most recommend (67.5%), staff influenza immunization. "No policy" or not knowing the policy was reported by 24.8%. Few offices require staff to stay home when ill and possibly contagious (10.3%), and only 30.8% recommend it. Such policies are needed as 61% of offices had at least one ill employee, including 23.7% with employees thought to be contagious, during the surveyed period. Detailed analysis of physician and staff practices will be further explored.
Learning Objectives: 1. Evaluate the adequacy of physician office policies on staff immunizations and "working sick". 2. Develop a plan to improve physician, staff and patient health through immunization.
Keywords: Immunizations, Physicians
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.