November 02, 2007
Flu Fighters Set an Example For All
Campaign seeks to immunize 90 percent of Genesis employees
DAVENPORT, IOWA - One by one, they volunteered their Genesis identification numbers. An employee health nurse entered them into a laptop computer, recording their consent. Then, they rolled up their sleeves and, with the prick of a needle, did their part to fight the flu.
The Genesis influenza immunization initiative, “Protect Your Patients – Protect Yourself,” got underway recently when members of the executive team were the first in the health system to receive vaccinations. Their 100 percent compliance sends an important message to employees.
“Because we’re a health care organization, reducing influenza transmission from our employees to patients should be a top priority, and each of us should do our part,” said James Lehman, M.D., Vice President of Quality at Genesis. “When we’re immunized, the spread of the flu virus decreases, which benefits the entire community. Every one of us is a role model.”
Annually in the United States, influenza causes an average of 36,000 deaths, and more than 200,000 hospitalizations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has long recommended annual influenza vaccination for all health care workers, yet nationally, fewer than 4 in 10 health care workers are immunized annually.
Last year, about 74 percent of Genesis employees received flu shots. While better than the national average, Genesis has set its sights much higher. Nurses hope to vaccinate at least 90 percent of Genesis employees.
Vaccination plan
Like last year, the vaccinations will be offered free of charge to all employees. The vaccination delivery model is based on response to a flu pandemic. Rather than have employees report to a central location for a vaccination, the vaccinations will be taken to the employees. Staff in every nursing department will administer the flu vaccine. Mobile flu carts will be sent to all non-clinical areas too, as often as necessary, to give staff ample opportunity for vaccination.
New this year is a ramped up employee education effort. A letter has been sent to employees’ homes. At work, regular emails dispel flu vaccination myths. The Academy of Leadership Excellence also is offering a program about flu vaccinations. And, for the first time this year, employees who decline the flu vaccination will be required to attend a mandatory flu class in late November. Those who skip the class will be placed in corrective action. After completing the class, any employee who still declines the vaccination must sign a declination form acknowledging that they may be putting their patients at risk.
Also new this year is the use of laptop computers to document compliance. The program, developed by Information Technology, eliminates paper by recording employee consent entirely online. “By doing this online, we’ll be able to get a real-time look at how many employees have been vaccinated, and where. It will help us direct our vaccination efforts to areas where compliance is lagging,” said Lorraine Pacha, Employee Health Nurse, Genesis.
Some employees have a legitimate reason for refusing the vaccine. A severe allergic reaction to eggs, which are used to make the vaccine, is one. But misconceptions and excuses, like “The vaccine will make me sick,” just don’t cut it any more.
“Every employee who doesn’t get a flu vaccination is not only jeopardizing his or her own health, but the health of co-workers and patients,” said Joyce Gay, RN, Employee Health Supervisor, Genesis. “The science supports the vaccine. It’s the right thing to do.”
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