Immunization

2011 Health Care Workers Immunization Survey

78 percent of Kansas health care workers have received the flu shot

(Topeka, KS – January 9, 2012) – 2010 marked the beginning of a four-year campaign by the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative to increase the number of hospital health care workers receiving yearly influenza vaccinations as part of the effort to decrease health care associated infections.

This effort to reduce the spread of influenza and to protect the health of both patients and health care workers recommends that all hospital health care workers, including medical staff, receive the seasonal influenza vaccine. KHC established a statewide goal to increase the Kansas hospital health care worker seasonal influenza immunization rate to 100 percent by 2014.

Kansas hospitals continue to make progress toward this goal. In a survey conducted in 2011, results indicated that 78 percent of hospital health care workers, including medical staff, were vaccinated against seasonal influenza for the 2010-2011 flu season.

• 2008-2009: 64 percent (92 hospitals reporting)
• 2009-2010: 76 percent (125 hospitals reporting)
• 2010-2011: 78 percent (124 hospitals reporting)

Influenza vaccination of health care professionals is critical to eliminating transmission and outbreaks of the virus. The CDC suggests health care workers have a specific role in the fight against influenza, with vaccination of workers linked to improved patient outcomes and reduced influenza infection.

Founded in 2008 by the Kansas Medical Society and Kansas Hospital Association, the mission of the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative is to transform health care through patient-centered initiatives that improve quality, safety and value.

Contact - Cindy Samuelson
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785.233.7436                           

Immunization Toolkit

In an effort to reduce the spread of influenza and to protect the health of both patients and health care providers, the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative recommends that all health care providers receive the seasonal influenza immunization.

Please use the link below to download the Immunization Toolkit:

• Immunization of Healthcare Workers Toolkit  (PDF)