

NY hospital pushes and pulls workers to get flu vaccine


Flushing (NY) Hospital increased the number of hospital employees who received flu shots by using techniques that are part of the hospital's emergency preparedness plans. FLUSHING, N.Y. -  Flushing Hospital Medical Center adapted its emergency preparedness program as a way to get more employees to get the flu shot.

The hospital’s annual employee influenza vaccination program features a two-day “push/pull” drill. For the push phase, vaccination teams visit units throughout the hospital, providing influenza vaccination education and offering vaccines to employees. For the pull phase, employees must enter the hospital through one entrance where vaccination teams screen employees and again offer them the opportunity to be vaccinated.

The program has significantly increased the percentage of employees vaccinated against influenza, which increased from 38 percent in the 2006-2007 influenza season to 56 percent in the 2008-2009 season, and then to 65 percent in 2010-2011.

Most health care workers do not get an annual influenza vaccine, and they managed to overturn a push from the New York State Department of Health to force them to get the shot a couple of years ago.

Why do so few health care workers get the flu vaccine? Should there be a state mandate that requires hospital workers to get vaccinated?

Related links:

Cathleen Crowley

One Response

  1. Linda L says:

    This issue has me scratching my head in amazement. The research shows that successful staff immunization programs have common elements: Support from administration, involvement of staff in setting dates and times,sites that are easily accessible, standing orders,and reminder memos. It is also helps to have a “cheerleader” to take the lead. Healthy competition between units and incentives also ease the pinch.