Influenza vaccination of healthcare personnel in Massachusetts hospitals

Background: Influenza affects patients and healthcare personnel (HCP) alike. The Healthy People 2020 goal is for 90% of all HCP to be vaccinated against influenza. Vaccination is one strategy used to prevent the spread of influenza in hospitals. Little is known about the characteristics of HCP influenza vaccination programs in Massachusetts hospitals. To obtain information about current influenza HCP vaccination programs, a survey of hospitals licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) will be conducted in March 2013. Methods: The Occupational Health Surveillance Program will conduct a mailed survey to occupational health staff at all 98 MDPH licensed hospitals, with follow-up by phone and email. Data will be entered into MSAccess and analyzed in SAS. Descriptive analysis and stratification by hospital characteristics will be performed. Results: Findings by type of hospital (acute v non-acute), teaching status and number of licensed beds will be presented. Program characteristics including mandatory vaccination, use of declinations, location and number of vaccination clinics, and educational information provided to HCP will be described. To the extent possible, correlates with HCP vaccination rates will be discussed. Conclusion: Hospitals use various methods to control the spread of influenza within the hospital, including vaccination of HCP, respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, and adherence to multiple infection control practices. Vaccination of HCP is just one component of a comprehensive influenza prevention program. Findings will be shared with Massachusetts hospitals with the goal of helping them design vaccination programs that maximize the number of HCP vaccinated annually.