Healthcare workers sometimes do not have accurate information about the disease and vaccine. The CDC recommends that the following basic information be provided to healthcare providers as part of any educational or communications effort.
- The benefits of influenza vaccination and information that dispels myths about vaccination, such as “getting the flu shot always gives me the flu” and why that can’t happen
- The potential impact and severity of influenza illness for healthcare providers and their patients
- The epidemiology of influenza and its modes of transmission, diagnosis and treatment
- Nonvaccine infection control strategies such as antiviral medications and isolation precautions.
Other tools you can use include online education modules, quizzes, or an internal Web site to support staff education. Host an open house where employees can get information about the vaccine along with vouchers for their vaccination. Staff members with early participation can be eligible for prizes.
The Joint Commission recommends using a variety of mechanisms to promote the vaccination program such as fliers, posters, e-mails, newsletters articles, paycheck fliers and in-service training. Create departmental competitions rewarding winners with a newsletter article or prizes. Arrange for the CEO and other members of the leadership to be among the first immunized.
Tools for getting the word out can be found on the CDC's Web site and www.immunize.org.
Position statements supporting mandatory immunization also are available and can be used to help develop and implement a mandatory vaccination policy. There also are numerous other Web sites and national resources available.
Flu Resources >>
