Preventing Nosocomial Influenza by Improving the Vaccine Acceptance Rate of Clinicians

Abstract

AbstractObjectives:To assess the effects of interventions to prevent transmission of influenza and to increase employee compliance with influenza vaccination.Design:The change in the proportion of hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed nosocomial influenza was observed over time and assessed using chi-square for trend analysis. The association between nosocomial influenza in patients and healthcare worker (HCW) compliance with vaccine was assessed by logistic regression.Setting:A 600-bed, tertiary-care academic hospital.Methods:After an outbreak of influenza A at this hospital in 1988, a mobile cart program was instituted with increased efforts to motivate employees to be vaccinated and furloughed when ill as well as new measures to prevent nosocomial spread.Results:HCW vaccination rates increased from 4% in 1987–1988 to 67% in 1999–2000 (P < .0001). Proportions of nosocomially acquired influenza cases among employees or patients both declined significantly (P < .0001). Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant inverse association between HCW compliance with vaccination and the rate of nosocomial influenza among patients (P < .001).Conclusion:A mobile cart vaccination program and an increased emphasis on HCWs to receive the vaccine were associated with a significant increase in vaccine acceptance and a significant decrease in the rate of nosocomial influenza among patients.