Learning Objectives 1. Discuss and understand the benefits of mandating a yearly flu vaccine for healthcare providers. Benefits for healthcare providers Benefits for patients 2. Discuss and understand factors that may influence an individual to decline the influenza vaccine.

Root Cause Analysis

What does mandated vaccination look like? Vaccination is a condition of employment. Strict criteria for exemption. Individuals granted an exemption must wear a surgical mask for the entire influenza season.

Benefits of Mandatory Healthcare Worker Influenza Vaccination. Prevents healthcare worker from becoming a vector for influenza to spread to others Reduces absenteeism Decreases nosocomial infections.

INFLUENZA VACCINATION COVERAGE AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN HOSPITALS WITH MANDATORY VACCINATION WAS 95.2% COMPARED TO 68.2% IN HOSPITALS WITH NO SUCH RULE. Benefits of Mandatory Healthcare Worker Influenza Vaccination.

Concerns with Mandated Healthcare Worker Influenza Vaccination Unconstitutional Impinges on freedom of religion Union contracts HIPPA

Additional concerns Adverse reactions Apathy Inconvenience Belief that the healthcare provider will not get influenza Concerns about vaccine efficacy

Health Belief Model Individuals support a preventative measure if they believe the following: 1. the disease is serious 2. they are at risk for the disease 3. the measure effectively prevents disease 4. there are no serious risks or barriers associated with the measure

Opposing Viewpoints- For Mandation According to Healthcare Infection, “vaccine-preventable diseases cause significant mortality and morbidity. Immunization of healthcare workers plays a significant role in preventing nosocomial transmission in healthcare settings. Non-immune healthcare workers put themselves, their contacts, and patients at risk of preventable disease” (2014, p. 42).

Opposing Viewpoints- Against Mandation Also according to Healthcare Infection “most nurses I know aren’t opposed to flu vaccination itself…but they’re opposed to an unwarranted intrusion on their right to make an educated decision about their personal health…They should be given the opportunity to weigh the risks and benefits of flu vaccination and the right to make informed decisions for themselves” (2014, p. 42).

Inferences and Implications Quality and safety of care is improved when health care workers receive a yearly influenza vaccine.  Protects the vulnerable:  Infants  Elderly  Pregnant women  Immunocompromised

Inferences and Implications Individuals should have the right to refuse and should not have to fear loss of employment over mandatory immunization.  Religious exemptions  Union contracts

Inferences and Implications Extra precautions for the unvaccinated.  Surgical masks during flu season  Badge that identifies unvaccinated healthcare workers

Recommendations for the Future Provide staff and patients with evidence- based information on available vaccinations.  Posters  Brochures  Vaccine information sheets

Recommendations for the Future Organizations should provide easy and affordable access to vaccinations.  Positive incentives for employees  Convenience

Recommendations for the Future As always, standard precautions should be emphasized and strictly followed to prevent the spread of the flu.

Conclusion Thank you all for your attention! Flu season is amongst us…stay informed and protect yourself and your patients.

References Banach, D. B., Zhang, C., Factor, S. H., & Calfee, D. P. (2013). Support for mandatory health care worker influenza vaccination among allied health professionals, technical staff, and medical students. American Journal of Infection Control, doi: /j.ajic Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). State immunization laws for healthcare workers and patients. Retrieved from Chean, R., Ferguson, J. K., & Stuart, R. L. (2014). Mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination of health care workers: A way forward to improving influenza vaccination rates. Healthcare Infection, 19(2) doi: /HI13041 Olsen, D. (2010). Point counterpoint: Mandatory flu vaccination for health care workers. American Journal of Nursing, 110(1) doi: /01.NAJ Randall, L. H., Curran, E. A., & Omer, S. B. (2012). Legal considerations surrounding mandatory influenza vaccination for healthcare workers in the United States. Vaccine, 31, doi: /j.vaccine