Staff Vaccinations Important to Patients

• 1/8/2010
• Author: Janet Pimentel
• Category: The Source Blog
• 15820 Views
• 0 Comments
• 

Happy 2010! I hope your new year has started better than mine. I had the stomach flu for five days over the holidays and ended up visiting my doctor. I’m pleased to note that the nurse who collected my latest medical information and took my temperature wore an “I got my flu shot. Did you?” button. I felt relieved that she received her flu vaccination and wore evidence to let me and others know. I thanked her for caring enough to protect herself and her patients by receiving her shot, especially since the average rate of staff participation for flu vaccinations in the United States is about 42%, according to The Joint Commission monograph entitled “Providing a Safer Environment for Health Care Personnel and Patients Through Influenza Vaccination: Strategies from Research and Practice.”

The nurse seemed surprised that I mentioned her flu shot button, let alone that I knew the low statistic about staff vaccination rates or about Joint Commission Standard IC.02.04.01, which requires organizations to annually evaluate vaccination rates, provide reasons for staff declining the vaccination, and take steps to increase the flu vaccination rates. I let her know that I worked as an editor for Joint Commission Resources and couldn’t help but share information (it’s just my nature!). But I also let her know that I liked her button because it encouraged staff and patients to be vaccinated for influenza (either seasonal or H1N1) and thereby prevent its spread. Patients will care about whether you are vaccinated for the flu and appreciate you making an effort to let them know. Other than wearing a button, are there other ways that you let patients know you have been vaccinated? Do you do anything to encourage your colleagues to get vaccinated? If so, please share your ideas.

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