Protect your patients and yourself from influenza: Get Vaccinated!

This year the CDC recommends seasonal and 2009 monovalent H1N1 influenza vaccination for all healthcare workers because of their critical role in the health care system and their increased risk of exposure to patients with influenza, as well as concern about transmission of the viruses to susceptible patients. The 2009 H1N1 monovalent influenza vaccine is made in the same way as seasonal flu vaccine, which has a very good safety track record. Preliminary data suggest that the immunogenicity and safety of these vaccines are similar to those of seasonal influenza vaccines.

Seasonal influenza vaccination among healthcare personnel reduces the flu-related mortality risk among patients at highest risk of severe illness. Despite the documented benefits of healthcare worker vaccination, seasonal influenza vaccine coverage in past seasons among this group has remained low (< 50%) nation-wide. Influenza outbreaks in hospitals and long-term care facilities have been associated with low vaccination rates among healthcare workers, while higher vaccination levels among staff are associated with a lower incidence of nosocomial influenza cases.

More information on locating 2009 monovalent H1N1 and seasonal vaccine, priority groups for vaccination, and vaccine safety is located at http://www.flu.gov/ .

The most effective way to protect yourself and your patients from flu is to be vaccinated. It's up to you!

Page Last Updated: Thursday, 18-Mar-2010 05:55:47 CDT