CDC: Hospitals continue to lead field in health care worker flu vaccinations

An estimated 92% of hospital workers report receiving a flu vaccine for the 2016-17 flu season, compared with 76% of ambulatory care workers and 68% of long-term care workers, according to a survey released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coverage was 98% among workers in hospitals requiring vaccination, compared with 81% in those that did not require but offered free on-site vaccination to employees for more than one day. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends annual flu vaccination for all health care personnel to reduce flu-related illness and mortality in health care settings. To protect the lives and welfare of patients and hospital employees, the AHA supports mandatory patient safety policies that require either flu vaccination or wearing a mask in the presence of patients across health care settings during flu season.