BACKGROUND: Health-care workers are at risk of occupational exposure to influenza and can also transmit the disease to their patients. METHODS: Selective literature review and description of the influenza vaccination program at the Frankfurt University Hospital. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Many studies demonstrate that influenza vaccination for health-care workers lowers morbidity and mortality in their patients. Official immunization recommendations and free, voluntary immunization programs for health-care workers have been in existence for many years. Nevertheless, influenza vaccination rates are unacceptably low. Therefore, mandatory vaccination ought to be considered. In addition, infection-control measures (covering the mouth and nose with a mask, meticulous hand disinfection) should be rigorously observed in the hospital to prevent the nosocomial transmission of influenza and other infectious diseases. Vaccination rates might be improved if health-care workers were made aware that they themselves face a risk of infection.
BACKGROUND: Health-care workers are at risk of occupational exposure to influenza and can also transmit the disease to their patients. METHODS: Selective literature review and description of the influenza vaccination program at the Frankfurt University Hospital. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Many studies demonstrate that influenza vaccination for health-care workers lowers morbidity and mortality in their patients. Official immunization recommendations and free, voluntary immunization programs for health-care workers have been in existence for many years. Nevertheless, influenza vaccination rates are unacceptably low. Therefore, mandatory vaccination ought to be considered. In addition, infection-control measures (covering the mouth and nose with a mask, meticulous hand disinfection) should be rigorously observed in the hospital to prevent the nosocomial transmission of influenza and other infectious diseases. Vaccination rates might be improved if health-care workers were made aware that they themselves face a risk of infection.
Authors: Kristin L Nichol; James Nordin; John Mullooly; Richard Lask; Kelly Fillbrandt; Marika Iwane Journal: N Engl J Med Date: 2003-04-03 Impact factor: 91.245
Authors: Nila J Dharan; Larisa V Gubareva; John J Meyer; Margaret Okomo-Adhiambo; Reginald C McClinton; Steven A Marshall; Kirsten St George; Scott Epperson; Lynnette Brammer; Alexander I Klimov; Joseph S Bresee; Alicia M Fry Journal: JAMA Date: 2009-03-02 Impact factor: 56.272
Authors: C R Macintyre; H Seale; P Yang; Y Zhang; W Shi; A Almatroudi; A Moa; X Wang; X Li; X Pang; Q Wang Journal: Epidemiol Infect Date: 2013-12-05 Impact factor: 2.451