From Measure to Practice: Improving Healthcare Personnel Flu Vaccination in Critical Access Hospitals-Video-From Measure to Practice:

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar focused on improving healthcare personnel influenza vaccination rates in critical access hospitals. Amanda Donlon reviewed the NHSN measure: the reporting period runs October 1–March 31, with data due May 15. The denominator includes personnel who worked at least one day during the period; vaccination, declination, contraindication, and unknown-status outcomes are reported. Iowa’s rate was 79%, with national rates at 74%, both declining since COVID.<br /><br />Pharmacy Director Sandra Donald outlined vaccine options for the 2026–27 season, including standard, egg-free, higher-dose, nasal, and newly available mRNA vaccines. She emphasized choosing age-appropriate products, addressing staff concerns without judgment, making vaccination convenient across shifts and locations, and explaining that vaccination can reduce flu severity and time away from work.<br /><br />A panel from four high-performing hospitals shared practices linked to vaccination rates in the high 90s: strong leadership support, clear expectations during hiring, convenient vaccine access, education focused on patient safety, and—at several facilities—masking requirements for unvaccinated staff. Participants also discussed setting early vaccination deadlines, tracking documentation, and engaging supervisors and physician champions. The session concluded with resources, upcoming events, and a request for attendees to complete the evaluation for CME credit.

Keywords

influenza vaccination

critical access hospitals

NHSN measure

healthcare personnel

vaccine options

vaccination rates

patient safety

leadership support

CME credit