Vaccine-preventable diseases in health care

It cannot be overemphasized that good preventive measures such as universal precautions, good hand-washing techniques, and appropriate personal protection is the mainstay of reducing the risk of nosocomial infections to other patients and HCWs. Vaccines that are safe and effective in reducing risks of nosocomial infections must be promoted through educational campaigns and made easily available to all employees, including those on night and weekend shifts. Extended hours and onsite vaccination programs help to increase acceptance of vaccines at certain times, such as during the annual influenza vaccine campaign. When more than one vaccine is recommended, consideration must be given to an appropriate vaccine schedule. Table 2 lists the interactions and contraindications of the vaccines most commonly administered to health care workers. Certain vaccines, such as rubella, should be required for susceptible employees when working in an area of a health care facility where exposure and consequent transmission to patients could have life-threatening consequences.