Free Podcast on Improving Your Flu Vaccination Program

The Joint Commission and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are offering a free educational podcast to help organizations prepare for and understand how to meet the demands of the 2009-2010 influenza season, and to improve the effectiveness of their influenza vaccination program.

This year’s influenza season presents two challenges: 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus in addition to seasonal influenza. This pre-recorded podcast will be available beginning October 15 on the Joint Commission Web site at www.jointcommission.org. The podcast and accompanying PowerPoint presentation will provide:

▪ Information on how healthcare workers can keep their patients safe during flu season

▪ H1N1 situation update from the CDC

▪ H1N1 vaccine recommendations and availability

▪ Reasons why health care workers don’t get vaccinated

▪ Tips to overcoming barriers to increase vaccination of healthcare workers

▪ Additional resources

After listening to the podcast and reviewing the PowerPoint slides, there will be an opportunity to submit questions electronically. For Joint Commission-accredited organizations, requirements regarding influenza vaccination programs are applicable to critical access hospitals, hospitals, and long-term care programs; however, all healthcare organizations may find this information helpful.

Presenters include: Carol Friedman, DO, captain of the U.S. Public Health Service, and associate director of adult immunization for the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and Robert A. Wise, MD, vice president of Standards and Survey Methods for the Joint Commission. Send your questions to: H1N1podcastquestion@jointcommission.org