Fall is here and so is Flu Vaccine!

Flu VaccineWhat you need to know about influenza and the flu vaccine

Objectives

• Test your knowledge about influenza (“flu”) and flu vaccine.

• Remind you of the importance of getting a flu shot.

• Describe OHSU’s goal and plan for vaccinating employees.

• Enlist your support in reaching our goal.

• Remind you about the “Masking Policy.”

Test Your Flu I.Q.

Let’s see how much you know about influenza…

Question #1: Hospitalizations

On average, how many people in the U.S. are hospitalized each year due to influenza and its complications?

a. 50,000

b. 100,000

c. 150,000

d. 200,000

AnswerOn average, how many people in the U.S. are hospitalized each year due to influenza and its complications?

a. 50,000

b. 100,000

c. 150,000

d. 200,000

Influenza and its complications lead to 36,000 deaths per year. In 2011, it was the 8th leading cause of death among adults.

Question #2 - Transmission

How is flu transmitted?

a. contact with droplets containing the virus after an infected person coughs or sneezes

b. close contact with someone who is infected

c. touching contaminated surfaces and then one’s own eyes, nose or mouth

d. all of the above

AnswerHow is flu transmitted?

a. contact with droplets containing the virus after an infected person coughs or sneezes

b. close contact with someone who is infected

c. touching contaminated surfaces and then one’s own eyes, nose or mouth

d. all of the above

Flu is highly contagious. Young children, older adults and individuals with other medical conditions can be especially susceptible to influenza infection and complications.

Question #3 - Transmission

True of False? Infected individuals can be infectious before they develop symptoms.

a. True

b. False

AnswerTrue of False? Infected individuals can be infectious before they develop symptoms.

a. True

b. False

Infected persons can spread influenza starting the day before their symptoms appear and for about 5 to 7 days after

symptoms begin. That’s why OHSU requires non-vaccinated healthcare personnel to wear a mask during Influenza Season.

Question #4 - Flu Vaccine

True or False. Getting the flu vaccine can cause you to get the flu.

a. True

b. False

AnswerTrue or False. Getting the flu vaccine can cause you to get the flu.

a. True

b. False

There are many myths about flu vaccine, one of which is that it will cause you to get the flu. The flu vaccine cannot cause

the flu. The viruses in the vaccine are either killed (flu shot) or weakened (nasal mist), rendering them incapable of causing infection. As with most vaccines, people can feel “yucky” for a day or two after the injection.

Question #5 - Flu Vaccine

True or False. Experts recommend that individuals receive an annual flu shot.

a. True

b. False

AnswerTrue or False. Experts recommend that individuals receive an annual flu shot.

a. True

b. False

Annual vaccination against seasonal flu is recommended for two reasons: 1) new flu vaccines are made each year to

protect against the flu viruses that are expected to be mostprevalent that year; and 2) immunity declines over time so yearly vaccination is needed for optimal protection.

Great Job!

You know a lot about flu and can share what you know with others!

Why is influenza vaccination important?

• Influenza vaccination is the best protection we have from flu and its complications and helps prevent spreading flu from person to person. This is especially important in the healthcare setting because of the vulnerable patients we serve.

What are the symptoms of influenza? • Symptoms of influenza can include:

- fever (temperature usually 101°F to 102°F).

- muscle aches and pains

- sore throat

- headache

- extreme tiredness

- nonproductive cough

- runny or stuffy nose

- eye pain and sensitivity to light

• These symptoms can occur suddenly and remember: influenza can be transmitted even before symptoms appear!

Why should staff get the flu vaccine?• To protect the vulnerable

• To protect their patients

• To protect themselves

• To protect family/loved ones

• To protect their colleagues

• To protect the community

We Want Healthy Staff & Healthy Patients

Staff illness:

• decreased productivity

• absence from work

• staffing shortages

• costly replacement staff

• decreased staff morale

Patient illness:

• influenza complications

• increased length of hospital stay

• ED visits / readmissions

• uncompensated care

• decreased patient satisfaction

Influenza infection can result in…

OHSU’s Flu Vaccine Target: 95%• All hospitals, including OHSU, must annually report to the state the total

number of healthcare personnel (HCP) at the facility, the number of HCP who received influenza vaccine, and information regarding why those who declined vaccination chose to do so.

• Last year OHSU set a very high target for flu vaccination among healthcare personnel: 95%. We reached a vaccination rate of 84%: lower than target but much higher than the prior year (44%).

• This year’s goal is again 95%.

This Year’s Campaign

Communications

• key messages• “myth busting”• simplified forms• ‘13 stickers• incentives• newsletters • blogs• posters

Vaccine Availability

• on the unit• in Occ. Health• Flu Clinics• site visits• PCP offices

Data

• records from units• timely data entry in

Occ. Health• Declination forms• frequent reports

Policies

• Masking Policy• Ill Provider Policy

“OCCtober” is the month!• No, this isn’t a spelling error. We’re hoping that all employees will view

October as Occupational Health month.

• October is the best time for employees to get their flu shots, as it’s early in the season. It can take up to two weeks after getting a flu shot to build-up protective immunity.

• Employees who get their flu shot through Occupational Health in October can also get their annual TB test and N-95 fit test if needed.

Benefits to staff who get their flu shot by October 31:- a $2 coupon, redeemable for food or beverages, at the Daily Café (CHH) or any Marquam Café location- 100 Healthy Steps points - their flu vaccine, combined with one other item on the qualifying list, counts toward a reduction in the cost of their medical insurance

Other Incentives only available in October*

*Employees who receive their flu shot in September will receive the same benefits

Flu Vaccine AvailabilityOccupational Health is offering flu vaccine “clinics” as follows:

Hatfield Research Center (HRC) 9th floor Atrium: • Tuesdays, October 1, 8, 15, 29• 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Center for Health and Healing (CHH) Lobby Level Atrium:• Tuesday, October 22• 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Drop-in Clinic at Occupational Health (first floor of Multnomah Pavilion) • Wednesdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 • 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or by appointment (call 4-5271 to schedule)

Flu Vaccine Distribution to Units & ClinicsMany areas administer flu vaccine to the providers, staff and volunteers on their unit or in their clinic. We’re so appreciative of their help. With responsibility for vaccinating 15,000 employees and volunteers, there’s no way that Occupational Health staff could do this on their own. It takes a huge team effort!

Each year, Occupational Health distributes flu vaccine “packets” to these units for on-site administration. With this year’s outreach efforts, we have already distributed 65 packets to various units, for a total of 2600 doses of vaccine. That’s more than double the amount distributed at this time last year! Way to go, Team!

Influenza Vaccine Declination FormEmployees have the right to decline receiving influenza vaccine from OHSU, however they must complete an “Influenza Vaccine Declination Form” and return it to Occupational Health.

The form is used to document the reason for declining to receive the vaccine on the unit or through Occupational Health:

- Declining because they received it elsewhere: we’ll record this information in the employee’s record in our database and they’ll get credit for being vaccinated.

- Declining for other reasons (contraindications; fears or concerns; personal, philosophical and/or religious beliefs): the reason will be documented in the employee’s record in our database. They are considered “non-vaccinated” and must adhere to the masking requirement during Influenza Season.

Influenza Vaccination and Masking Policy“All OHSU employees must receive the seasonal influenza vaccination through Occupational Health (formerly called ‘Employee Health’) or complete and submit an Influenza Vaccine Declination Form. All healthcare personnel who do not receive the seasonal influenza vaccination, regardless of the reason for not getting the influenza vaccination, must wear a surgical mask within six feet of a patient in patient care areas during the influenza season* to help protect patients and prevent influenza transmission.”

*Influenza Season (a.k.a. “Masks On Period”) begins when there are two or more lab-confirmed Influenza cases within a two week period identified in the OHSU Lab or at Oregon Public Health Laboratory as reviewed and determined by OHSU’s Infection Prevention and Control department.

What do we need from you?• Please get your flu shot, preferably before October 31.

• Spread the word about when/where flu vaccine is available.

• Help to dispel “myths” about flu vaccine among peers and others.

• If you do not want to get your flu shot through OHSU’s Occupational Health, you must complete a Declination Form (even if you receive a flu shot somewhere else).

• Be mindful of the Influenza Vaccination and Masking Policy – if you’re not vaccinated and work in a patient care area, you will be required to wear a mask when within 6 feet of a patient during Influenza Season.

Feel free to contact us with questions

Elena Riker, Medical Assistant (6-0186)Call for clinical information about flu vaccination, including contraindications, availability and the declination process

Kevin Howden, Business Data Analyst (4-4374)Call for questions about data and reporting

Tammy Wade, Director (4-8817)Call for questions about policies or any concerns related to the influenza vaccination campaign