Results from a new study found that free, on-site, mass flu immunization had a positive impact on school attendance. With the help of school nurses, more students may be able to avoid getting sick in the next flu season. The study is published in the latest issue of the Journal of School Nursing.
School nurses in Indiana, where the study was conducted, found that schools that have a high population of children with a low socioeconomic status were showing a higher absentee rate caused by influenza. Many of these children lived in multifamily dwellings, where there is increased person-to-person contact, which promotes the spread of bacteria and viruses. Although influenza vaccines were available in the community, these families often did not have the funds or transportation to receive preventive health care.
The benchmark attendance rate for the state of Indiana in the 95th percentile is 97.8 percent. School nurses noted that none of the local Title 1 schools met this benchmark. Title 1 is a federal entitlement program allocated on the basis of student enrollment and census poverty data. As part of the No Child Left Behind Act, children should have the opportunity to obtain a high quality education and to reach grade-level proficiency.
In the study, two Title 1 elementary schools received the FluMist® vaccine and two others did not. Fifty-seven percent of those medically eligible to receive the vaccine had parental permission and took it. The two schools receiving FluMist® increased their attendance rates from 95.3 percent and 93.95 percent to 96.1 percent and 95.8 percent, respectively. The schools that did not receive the vaccine had a decrease in overall attendance.
The 57 percent vaccination rate may have created herd immunity and protected a larger number of children than those who were immunized. Regardless, the mass immunization produced positive results. In areas where immunization rates are low and parents do not have the resources for immunization services, the study encourages school nurses to work with community organizations to provide free, on-site services.
Product Locator: Spring and Early Mother's Day Gift Guide for Infection Prevention Personnel
March 27th 2024Whether it's a spring holiday, birthdays, or no reason at all, infection prevention personnel love to give and receive gifts that help at the end of a stressful day. Infection Control Today® offers some gift ideas for infection prevention personnel and their families.
Catching Up With Vangie Dennis, AORN 2022-2023 President at AORN 2024
March 26th 2024Infection Control Today (ICT) had the privilege of catching up with Vangie Dennis, MSN, RN, CNOR, CMLSO, at the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses' (AORN’s) International Surgical Conference & Expo 2024. As the former president of AORN and an esteemed figure in perioperative services, Vangie Dennis shared insights into her recent endeavors and the exciting new chapter she's embarked upon.
How To Optimize Your Time Management Strategies for the Busy Infection Preventionist
March 25th 2024Is your calendar resembling a chaotic masterpiece of overlapping tasks? Join the club of infection preventionists striving to balance responsibilities. Dive into proven strategies from a fellow infection preventionist to reclaim control of your time, streamline tasks, and boost productivity effectively. This is an IP Lifeline article.
CenTrak Unveils Revolutionary BLE Multi-Mode Platform for Health Care RTLS Solutions
March 22nd 2024CenTrak, the industry leader in real-time location technology, introduces the groundbreaking BLE Multi-Mode Platform, setting a new standard for Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) in health care. Discover how this innovative solution enhances location data precision and streamlines operations for health care organizations.