We have written extensively on nursing homes and the flu. We have noted that flu vaccinations for healthcare workers are not mandatory and in fact one study suggested they have no effect.
Well some good news. Vaccine rates for long-term care professionals increased this year. Long-term workers had an influenza vaccine compliance rate of 64.4% during last year's flu season, compared with a 71.1% compliance rate among hospital workers.
Roughly 63.5% of all healthcare workers received influenza vaccines in the 2010-2011 flu season, up from 61.9% from the previous year, according to a new CDC report.
The Centers for Disease Control surveyed 1,931 healthcare personnel. It found that self-reported vaccination coverage for workers whose employers required the vaccination was 98.1%, compared with 58.3% of participants whose workplaces don't mandate the vaccination. CDC officials believe that healthcare providers need to continue educating their employees about the importance of getting the vaccine and stress its effectiveness and safety.
Whether mandated or not, there are other ways to contain / prevent flu outbreaks.
- Screening visitors and staff who leave and then return to the facility.
- Isolating symptomatic residents.
- Placing restrictions on visitors.
- Modifying work schedules.
- Washing hands and using protective masks.
Learn more ~ or join the conversation!
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