NATIONAL APIC CONFERENCE 2014 My Ah-hah moment Presented by: Michele Lampshire, RN, BSN, CIC

HCW flu vaccination results in fewer community infections Marx James F. Abstract #426. HCW flu vaccination results in fewer community infections

James F. Marx, PhD, RN, CIC, investigator and founder of Broad Street Solutions, presented the results of data that he and colleagues analyzed from data gathered between 2009 and 2012 from the California Department of Public Health. There study was to determine the relationship between vaccinating health care workers (HCWs) against influenza and the rate of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the surrounding community.

For the 2011-2012 influenza season, the influenza vaccination rate of California hospital HCWs was 68%. According to Marx, if 90% of California HCWs were vaccinated — the goal set by the Healthy People 2020 initiative — there would be about 30,000 fewer ILI cases in California. It is critical that [HCWs] receive the flu vaccine since they come into contact with our most vulnerable community members,” Marx said.

RESULTS: For every 15 health care workers who receive influenza vaccination, one fewer person in the community will have an influenza-like illness.

MY TAKE-AWAY: Infection Preventionist have promoted HCW vaccinations for community safety and protection for years. November 2013 LA County mandated vaccine or masks for HCW This study provides support for not only the LAC mandate but also for prevention efforts

Incorporating what I learned into my daily practice…