Evaluation of Vaccination Policies Among Utah Pediatric Clinic Employees

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Prevention
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Pediatric healthcare settings pose a high risk for communicable and vaccine-preventable disease transmission from healthcare workers (HCWs) to patients.
• Ensuring HCW vaccination is critical for patient safety and infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess current employee vaccination policies in Utah pediatric outpatient clinics.
• To identify the extent of vaccination recommendations and enforcement among clinic managers.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to managers of all pediatric clinics in Utah.
• The questionnaire focused on clinic vaccination policies for employees.

Main Results:

• Only half of Utah pediatric outpatient clinic managers recommended employee vaccinations.
• Employee refusal of vaccinations was permitted without repercussions in many clinics.
• Influenza vaccine was the most commonly included adult vaccine in policies, with limited additional requirements for unvaccinated, ill employees.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare worker vaccination is a proven strategy to minimize disease transmission.
• Implementing mandatory vaccination policies can substantially increase vaccination rates among HCWs, thereby enhancing patient safety.