Topic: Vaccinations

In December 2010, the Department of Health and Human Services launched Healthy People 2020, which set forth an annual target goal of 90 percent for influenza vaccinations among health care personnel (HCP) by 2020. Now we’re on the home stretch to hit that goal. With the 2019-2020 flu season upon us, it’s time to look for ways to make more significant strides towards the finish line.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is already significant flu activity in 24 states across the country and flu seasons often see spikes between December and February.

The number of reported measles cases in the U.S. have reached their highest level since the disease was domestically eradicated in 2000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Prevent Infection
CDC estimates that there are more than 1 billion visits to hospitals and physician offices each year. So, what can a healthcare facility do to protect patients and staff, given the volume of visitors and interactions? Requiring vaccinations for staff, vendors and volunteers is a good place to start.

Flu is a serious contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. 
CDC urges you to take the following actions to protect yourself and others from influenza (the flu): 

Take time to get a flu vaccine.

CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.
While there are many different flu viruses, a flu vaccine protects against the viruses that research suggests will be most common.