From Measure to Practice: Improving Healthcare Personnel Flu Vaccination in Critical Access Hospitals-FREE NO CME-Video-From Measure to Practice

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar covered strategies to improve healthcare personnel influenza vaccination in critical access hospitals. The measure tracks staff vaccination status during October 1–March 31; data should be submitted to NHSN by May 15. The denominator includes personnel who worked at least one day during the period, including employees, licensed independent practitioners, and students, trainees, and volunteers. State and national vaccination rates have declined since COVID.<br /><br />A pharmacy director reviewed vaccine options, including standard, egg-free, enhanced-dose, nasal, and newly available mRNA vaccines. Hospitals should select products based on staff needs, cost, and age-related recommendations, while making vaccination convenient and addressing concerns without judgment.<br /><br />Panelists from high-performing hospitals described practices associated with vaccination rates in the high 90s: clear expectations from hiring onward, strong leadership support, easy access across shifts and locations, follow-up with staff, and education focused on protecting patients. Several facilities require unvaccinated staff to mask during flu season. Participants emphasized that masking policies need administrative support and consistent enforcement. For hospitals seeking improvement, suggested steps included finding a physician champion, connecting vaccination to patient safety, and recognizing employees’ concerns and contributions.

Keywords

healthcare personnel vaccination

influenza vaccination

critical access hospitals

NHSN reporting

vaccination rates

vaccine options

leadership support

patient safety

masking policies