Influenza Preparedness 2018-2019 Influenza Vaccine for Staff Vanessa Sheehan, CNS Occupational Health, HSE-South, Cork University Hospital.
Presentation Outline Why flu vaccination is important for HCW s? Who should be vaccinated? Is there anyone that cannot get the vaccine? Are there any side effects? To help improve uptake. How do I get vaccinated?
Why flu vaccination is important for HCW s Influenza vaccine remains the best protection against influenza and is recommended by all major bodies including the; WHO US CDC European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control National Immunisation Advisory Committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.
Why flu vaccination is important for HCW s HCW s are at increased risk of exposure and hence flu infection compared to the general adult population (Kuster et al 2011). It is estimated that at least 20% of HCW s are infected with flu every year (Elder et al 1996)and many continue to work despite being ill, which increases the risk to their colleagues and patients. During hospitalisation, patients in general are 5-35 times more likely to acquire influenza if exposed to infected patients or HCW s(vanhems et al 2011)
Why flu vaccination is important for HCW s Institutions with high levels of HCW immunisation in Europe have shown reduced rates of flu like illness, hospitalisation and deaths from flu in the elderly and a reduction in HCW sick leave (Carman et al 2000, Hayward el al2006andlemaitreetal2009).
Who should be vaccinated? The OHD offers the flu vaccine to all HCW s to prevent the spread of flu to vulnerable patients and to staff within the HSE-South. HCW s should get the flu vaccine to protect themselves, their families and their patients. Flu vaccine is recommended for all pregnant women and can provide protection to the mother and baby up to 6 months after birth. The vaccine canbegivenatanystageofpregnancy.
Is there anyone that cannot get the vaccine? Most people can get the vaccine. But it is not recommended for those who have: a history of anaphylaxisfollowinga previous dose of flu vaccine or any part of the vaccine. People with egg allergy can get seasonal flu vaccine but needs to be discussed with the OHP/doctor before? administration and given in a safe and controlled environment. Vaccine should be re-scheduled if have acute illness with temp >38C
Are there any side effects? Common:side effects (1-10%) are: local redness, swelling, bruising and induration at the site of the injection. General:headache, fever, fatigue for up to 48 hours after receiving the vaccine. These non-specific side effects do not mean that you are getting the flu and usually disappear within 1-2 days without treatment!
To help improve uptake Leadership within unit/hospital/area. e.g. Peer vaccinator to organise and promote vaccine among peers. Communication tools such as; Timely reminders to inform staff of the OHD s visit to your hospital/area. At handover, clinical nurse managers meetings, case meetings. Education talks to highlight importance of vaccine. Emails, text messages. Advertise the availability of the vaccine on posters, leaflets.
Incentives to help improve uptake Examples of incentives; Offer refreshments after having the vaccine i.e. cup of tea/coffee. Vouchers for a free meal or scone in the hospital canteen. Hold local competitions. Vaccineisfreeofchargetoallstaff. Feedback: information to HCWs regarding the total rates of vaccine uptake to further motivate vaccine uptake. Flexible and worksite vaccine delivery: provision of convenient access to the vaccine at workplaces during different working shifts.
How do I get vaccinated? Vaccines are given in CUH OHD, also within areas of CUH, CUMH, outreach clinics at M.G.H OPD, B.G.H OPD, community areas and hospitals from October throughout the year. Availability of vaccine will be advertised via e- mail or contact OHD for location and date where vaccine will be given or make an appointment at CUH OHD on 0214 922018/9. Vaccine given Monday to Friday.
How do I get vaccinated? If interested in the OHD visiting your hospital/area contact: Brigid Quaid, CNM3, Occupational Health. Tel: 021 4922018/9 or 021 4922084 E-mail: Brigid.Quaid@hse.ie.
Conclusion Flu is a highly contagious acute viral infection and affects people of all ages regardless of general health & fitness and is one of the main causes of short term sickness absence in the workplace in winter. Along with good hygiene practices the flu vaccination is the simplest and most effective way of safeguarding against the flu within the workplace each winter.
Flu vaccine for staff Thank You HSE-South, Occupational Health Department Cork University Hospital. Contact no: 021 4922018/9