Infection Control

Study shows John Hopkins' vaccination rates twice the national average

Infection Control Weekly Monitor, February 17, 2010

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A new study published in the February issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology shows that John Hopkins achieved a 2008-2009 seasonal flu vaccination rate of 71.3%, roughly double the national average.

Taking an opposite stance to required flu shots, John Hopkins offered flu vaccines to staff members that were, “free, convenient, ubiquitous and hard to ignore,” according to a press release. However, the hospital did institute a policy that required staff members to wear face masks if they did not get vaccinated. Researchers also noted the wider availability of free community-based vaccination opportunities.

The compliance rate for workers that came into direct contact with patients on a daily basis was 82.8%, moving closer to a state of “herd” immunity. The survey showed that more than a quarter of the staff was vaccinated outside the hospital.

“It was promising to learn that so many staff were getting vaccinated elsewhere, as opposed to what we had been thinking, which was that they were not getting vaccinated at all,” Edward Bernacki, M.D., M.P.H., senior study investigator and director of occupational health, safety and environment at Johns Hopkins, said in the press release.



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