Sustaining High Influenza Vaccination Compliance with a Mandatory Masking Program

Abstract

This article describes the success of a mandatory masking programme to increase influenza vaccination compliance across clinical and nonclinical entities in the Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania, USA. During the first 2 years of the mandatory masking programme, the vaccination compliance increased from 47% at baseline to 90% (system-wide, 2009-10) and 92% (system-wide, 2010-11). These numbers included all aspects of the health system, including all acute care hospitals, community practice sites, ambulatory surgery centres, administrative buildings, and Geisinger's insurance company. In subsequent years, these compliance rates continued to increase to 95% (2011-12) and ultimately to 97% (2012-13). The newer campuses (Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital, Geisinger-Community Medical Center, and Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital) achieved 95-97% vaccination compliance during the first year of acquisition. There were no legal challenges and no formal opposition to the programme at any of the newer campuses. There were no terminations or disciplinary actions of any employees. The data show sustainability over at least 4 years along with rapid adaptability in a variety of newly acquired community hospitals that were not acculturated to the health system and were at a significant distance away. This programme was equally successful and adaptable to all nonclinical settings as well.