1.1 Million-Plus Healthcare Workers Vaccinated for Seasonal Flu in 2008 as Part of a Flu Vaccination Challenge

JCR is  introducing a tiered approach to setting this year's seasonal flu vaccination goals. Healthcare facilities will be challenged to reach a 65 percent, 75 percent or 90 percent vaccination rate. The goals were determined by evaluating last year's results and recognizing that most participating hospitals surpassed the national flu vaccination rate. The tiered approach encourages healthcare facilities to strive for a better vaccination rate than achieved the previous year. Those that do will be recognized by JCR for their dedication to keeping their employees healthy and helping to protect their patients. JCR is also broadening "the Challenge" to include healthcare workers in ambulatory and long-term care facilities, emphasizing the importance of flu vaccination and patient safety beyond the hospital setting.

"This flu season, we are encouraging hospitals to participate in 'the Challenge', leading to an increased flu vaccination rate among healthcare workers nationwide,” Soule said. “JCR is committed to providing participants with additional tools and resources to help achieve even greater success."

Efforts to increase vaccination coverage among healthcare workers are supported by The Joint Commission. The Joint Commission requires accredited hospitals, critical access hospitals and long term care organizations to offer the flu vaccine annually on site to staff and licensed independent practitioners. JCR is committed to continuously improving the safety and quality of care in hospitals. The Flu Vaccination Challenge is one way to contribute to this goal by increasing vaccination rates among healthcare workers. Resources for participants in "the Challenge" include a complimentary seasonal influenza monograph released in June by The Joint Commission, a myths and facts fact sheet, virtual poster presentations and audioconference downloads as well as a software program for participants to easily track employee flu vaccination rates at their organization.

The 2009 Flu Vaccination Challenge begins today and will continue through the flu season until March 2010. For additional information regarding how healthcare facilities can help improve their flu vaccination rates, visit www.FluVaccinationChallenge.com.