Hospital Staff Flu Vaccination Rates Drop During Pandemic

This is a research article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discussing influenza vaccination coverage among health care personnel in acute care hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's a summary of the key points:

Decline in Influenza Vaccination Coverage

• The study found that influenza vaccination coverage among health care personnel (HCP) in acute care hospitals declined significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The decline was observed across all HCP types, including employees, licensed independent practitioners, and student trainees or volunteers.

Comparison of Pre-Pandemic and Pandemic Periods

• During the pre-pandemic period (2017-18 to 2019-20), influenza vaccination coverage among HCP increased steadily.
• However, during the pandemic period (2020-21 to 2022-23), vaccination coverage declined significantly.

Urbanicity and Vaccination Coverage

• The study found that urbanicity was associated with higher vaccination coverage rates.
• Rural areas had lower vaccination coverage rates compared to suburban and urban areas.

Key Findings

• Influenza vaccination coverage among HCP in acute care hospitals declined from 85.1% in the 2019-20 season to 51.6% in the 2022-23 season.
• The odds of being vaccinated were lower during the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period.
• Licensed independent practitioners had significantly lower vaccination coverage rates compared to employees and student trainees or volunteers.

Implications

• The decline in influenza vaccination coverage among HCP is concerning, as it may compromise the health and safety of patients and staff in healthcare settings.
• Strategies are needed to promote and support influenza vaccination among HCP, particularly during pandemics.