Fall is here and so is Flu Vaccine! What you need to know about influenza and the flu vaccine 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? 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000

Answer On average, how many people in the U.S. are hospitalized each year due to influenza and its complications? 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 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? contact with droplets containing the virus after an infected person coughs or sneezes close contact with someone who is infected touching contaminated surfaces and then one’s own eyes, nose or mouth all of the above

Answer How is flu transmitted? contact with droplets containing the virus after an infected person coughs or sneezes close contact with someone who is infected touching contaminated surfaces and then one’s own eyes, nose or mouth 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. True False

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

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

Answer True or False. Experts recommend that individuals receive an annual flu shot. True 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 most prevalent 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 Influenza infection can result in… Staff illness: Patient illness: decreased productivity absence from work staffing shortages costly replacement staff decreased staff morale influenza complications increased length of hospital stay ED visits / readmissions uncompensated care decreased patient satisfaction

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 Vaccine Availability Data Policies 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.

Other Incentives only available in October* 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 *Employees who receive their flu shot in September will receive the same benefits

Flu Vaccine Availability Occupational 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 & Clinics Many 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 Form Employees 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