Influenza vaccination among workers—21 U.S. states, 2013

Publication date: 1 April 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control, Volume 45, Issue 4
Author(s): Alissa C. O'Halloran, Peng-jun Lu, Walter W. Williams, Pamela Schumacher, Aaron Sussell, Jan Birdsey, Winifred L. Boal, Marie Haring Sweeney, Sara E. Luckhaupt, Carla L. Black, Tammy A. Santibanez
BackgroundInfluenza illnesses can result in missed days at work and societal costs, but influenza vaccination can reduce the risk of disease. Knowledge of vaccination coverage by industry and occupation can help guide prevention efforts and be useful during influenza pandemic planning.MethodsData from 21 states using the 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System industry-occupation module were analyzed. Influenza vaccination coverage was reported by select industry and occupation groups, including health care personnel (HCP) and other occupational groups who may have first priority to receive influenza vaccination during a pandemic (tier 1). The t tests were used to make comparisons between groups.ResultsInfluenza vaccination coverage varied by industry and occupation, with high coverage among persons in health care industries and occupations. Approximately half of persons classified as tier 1 received influenza vaccination, and vaccination coverage among tier 1 and HCP groups varied widely by state.ConclusionsThis report points to the particular industries and occupations where improvement in influenza vaccination coverage is needed. Prior to a pandemic event, more specificity on occupational codes to define exact industries and occupations in each tier group would be beneficial in implementing pandemic influenza vaccination programs and monitoring the success of these programs.



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