Use of adult immunization strategies to increase the take of the influenza vaccine a 2 Year review

Abstract

The strongest aspect of the Flu Free Zone Campaign was the commitment and support of the committee members. Many approaches can be successful when strong leadership carries out the plan to increase awareness and participation in the influenza campaign. With strong leadership, strategies for adult immunization outlined by the CDC can be implemented easily in a variety of health care institutions. The committee members provided more than verbal direction. Their active participation included delegation of duties to leaders within departments, support of the process in major meetings with administrators, and assistance in sustaining interest and dedication to the project. Employees who already had a positive opinion of the influenza vaccine and its benefits continued to be supportive. In contrast, those employees who held strong views opposing the vaccine were not offered incentives to accept the vaccine. The employees who fell in between the two extremes were the targeted group and the use of these strategies were key in educating and persuading a change from uncertainty to acceptance. Three other strategies proving instrumental in increasing the vaccine administration were making the vaccine available to all shifts, flexible administration schedules, and the cash incentives. Many individuals admittedly accepted the vaccine for the opportunity to be selected for one of the cash prizes. Careful analysis showed that different strategies were influential for different groups. For instance, the participation levels for nurses were increased mainly by the vaccine availability - mobile vaccine carts, extended hours, and longer campaign. Allied health professionals were interested in the cash incentive program, but also benefited from focused educational information through meetings and departmental champions. Volunteers, largely made up of retirees from the community, responded specifically to the cash incentive program and to the educational materials citing them as an "at risk" group for influenza. The ability to continually assess and reassess the application of the adult immunization strategies with direction from a diverse, active committee helped to optimize the acceptance of the vaccine. Remembering to evaluate and change stagnant immunization programs can lead to higher take rates, resulting in better protection for employees and clients.