ABSTRACT: | Full Text PDF
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate Prevention and Control Strategies for Health Care Personnel (HCP) Immunization at LTCF and to assess the NYSDOH, LTCF, Influenza vaccination and control guidelines and recommendations to be implemented by all acute care hospitals, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, health care and emergency medical services
METHODOLOGY: This prospective observational study was conducted at New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Immunization Department from June 2006- July 2007. Data was collected from Office of Health System Management (OHMS), Public Affair Groups (PAG), Division of Legal Affairs (DLA), Office of Managed Care (OMC) to identify the role of cultural, social, and behavioral factors incorporating HICPAC and ACIP materials and data in determining influenza and pneumococcal disease prevention, health promoting behavior, and provider health services.
RESULTS: Geo location was 34%, facility size 15 %, size and location 15%, size and low coverage is 13%, and low coverage. Residents are more immunized than employees, ie 77.4% as compare to 45.67% respectively, policy 42.2%, non policy 50.29% as far as strategies are concerned. 97.7% can improve immunization by vaccine available to staff at no cost, 95.5% withstanding orders from staff, 90.9% if immunization offered to all shifts, 88.6% for standing orders for residents, 15.9% individual counseling, and 13.6% for gifts and 15.9% for others.
CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS: Inactivated influenza vaccine is recommended in all persons 50 years of age and older, children 6-23 months of age, residents of LTCF, pregnant women, persons 6 months to 18 years receiving chronic aspirin therapy, persons less than 6 months of age with chronic illness, persons with COPD, CHF, Diabetes, renal dysfunction, and immunosuppression, including HIV