Most health care workers receive flu shot: study

Atlanta – Influenza vaccination rates among health care workers increased slightly during the 2013-14 season, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Researchers analyzed results from a survey of 1,882 health care personnel and found that 75.2 percent reported receiving a flu shot in 2013-14 – up from 72.0 percent during 2012-13. Vaccination rates were highest for health care personnel who worked in hospitals (89.6 percent) and lowest among those who worked in long-term care settings (63.0 percent), researchers said.

When divided by occupation, the highest vaccination rates belonged to physicians (92.2 percent), nurses (90.5 percent), nurse practitioners and physician assistants (89.6 percent), and pharmacists (85.7 percent).

Those with the lowest vaccination rates included assistants and aides (57.7 percent) and non-clinical personnel such as administrators, janitors and food service workers (68.6 percent).

In an effort to increase vaccination coverage among health care workers, researchers recommended comprehensive strategies that include providing free vaccines at the workplace, along with active promotion of vaccination.

The study was published Sept. 19 in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.