Improving influenza immunization rates among healthcare workers caring for high-risk pediatric patients

Kristina A. Bryant, Beth Stover, Linda Cain, Gail L. Levine, Jane Siegel, William R. Jarvis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

61 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess influenza vaccination rates of healthcare workers (HCWs) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), and oncology units in Pediatric Prevention Network (PPN) hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Infection control practitioners and HCWs in NICUs, PICUs, and oncology units. METHODS: In November 2000, posters, electronic copies of a slide presentation, and an influenza fact sheet were distributed to 32 of 76 PPN hospitals. In January 2001, a survey was distributed to PPN hospital participants to obtain information about the immunization campaigns. On February 7, 2001, a survey of influenza immunization was conducted among HCWs in NICU, PICU, and oncology units at participating hospitals. RESULTS: Infection control practitioners from 19 (25%) of the 76 PPN hospitals completed the surveys. The median influenza immunization rate was 43% (range, 12% to 63%), with 7 hospitals exceeding 50%. HCWs (n = 1,123) at 15 PPN hospitals completed a survey; 53% of HCWs reported receiving influenza immunization. Immunization rates varied by work site: 52% in NICUs and PICUs compared with 60% in oncology units. Mobile carts and PPN educational fact cards were associated with higher rates among these subpopulations (P < .001) (361 [63%] of 575 vs 236 [44%] of 541 for mobile carts; 378 [60%] of 633 vs 219 [45%] of 483 for fact cards). CONCLUSION: Despite delayed distribution of influenza vaccine during the 2000-2001 season, immunization rates at 7 hospitals and among HCWs in high-risk units exceeded the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions goal of 50%.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)912-917
Number of pages6
JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
Volume25
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2004

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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