Section: UTMB On-line Documentation Subject: Healthcare Epidemiology Policies and Procedures Topic: Influenza Vaccination

1.17 - Policy 2006 - Revised 1980 - Author

1.17 Influenza Vaccination

Purpose	Since 1984, the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP) has made strong recommendations for the prevention and control of influenza. These include a recommendation that healthcare workers be immunized. This policy, for immunization of healthcare workers at UTMB, is proposed for three reasons: • Nosocomial outbreaks occur during influenza season and a well immunized work force is less likely to transmit influenza to the patients who are under their care; • Immunization should minimize absenteeism during influenza outbreaks; • Influenza can be a serious disease and should not be confused with a cold or a bout of “intestinal flu.” Immunization provides the best personal protection for each employee.
Audience	All employees of UTMB hospitals and clinics
Policy	• All employees of UTMB will be offered the influenza vaccine on a yearly basis. • All employees of UTMB will be allowed to receive the vaccine free of charge during the scheduled immunization hours. • The Employee Health Center will administer the influenza vaccine program. • Employee Health and Healthcare Epidemiology will collaborate in the education of healthcare workers about the importance of immunization against influenza.
Contract Workers, Volunteers, and Students	Healthcare Epidemiology strongly recommends that contract workers, volunteers, and students receive the influenza vaccine through their employers or their student health services
References	1. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America: Immunization in Adults II June 1990: 4:2 2. Centers for Disease Control, Influenza Vaccination Coverage Levels in Selected Sites - United States, 1989. MMWR March 16, 1990, Vol.39, No. 10. 3. Centers for Disease Control update on adult immunization: recommendations of the Immunization Advisory Committee (ACIP). MMWR 1991:40 (No. RR-12).