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Influenza vaccination in long-term-care facilities: structuring programs for success
M A McArthur1, A E Simor, B Campbell
1Department of Microbiology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|August 4, 1999
Summary
Well-organized influenza vaccination programs in Canadian long-term-care facilities (LTCFs) are linked to higher resident vaccination rates. Focusing on staff vaccination and program organization is key for improving influenza immunization coverage.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Influenza vaccination is crucial for protecting vulnerable populations in long-term-care facilities (LTCFs).
- Understanding factors influencing vaccination program success in LTCFs is essential for improving resident health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific characteristics of influenza vaccination programs associated with high resident vaccination rates in Canadian LTCFs.
- To inform the development of more effective vaccination strategies in long-term care settings.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey utilizing a mailed questionnaire was distributed in spring 1991.
- The study included all 1,520 Canadian LTCFs for the elderly with at least 25 beds.
Main Results:
- The average influenza vaccination rate across 1,270 responding facilities was 79%.
- Key factors associated with higher vaccination rates included a dedicated non-physician program organizer, comprehensive written policies, offering vaccines to all residents, durable consent policies, and automatic administration when guardian contact failed.
- Staff vaccination encouragement significantly impacted staff vaccination rates.
Conclusions:
- Effective organization of influenza vaccination programs demonstrably increases resident immunization rates in Canadian LTCFs.
- Further development of resident vaccination programs and a focus on staff vaccination are recommended for LTCFs.