MMWR News Synopsis for September 18, 2014

Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Health Care Personnel –- United States, 2013–14

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Comprehensive vaccination strategies that include making influenza vaccine available free of charge at the workplace along with active promotion of vaccine are needed to increase influenza vaccination coverage among health-care personel (HCP) and minimize the risk of influenza to HCP and their patients. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that all HCP be vaccinated annually against influenza. Vaccination of HCP can reduce influenza-related morbidity and mortality among HCP and their patients. Overall, 75.2% of HCP reported receiving an influenza vaccination in the 2013-14 season, similar to the 72.0% coverage among HCP reported in the 2012-13 season. For the first time, coverage among nurses reached 90%, an increase from 85% in the 2012-2013 season. Coverage was highest among HCP working in hospitals (89.6%) and lowest among HCP working in long-term care (LTC) settings (63.0%). Among HCP without an employer requirement for vaccination, vaccination coverage was higher for HCP working in settings where vaccination was offered on-site at no cost for one day (61.6%) or multiple days (80.4%) compared with HCP working in settings not offering free on-site vaccination (49.0%).

Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Acute Care Hospital-Based Health Care Personnel — United States, 2013–14

CDC Media Relations
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For the first time, we are reporting performance measurement data from over four thousand acute care hospitals in the United States, representing the most complete accounting to date of influenza vaccination measurement in hospital-based healthcare personnel. These data provide a baseline for looking at changes in hospital-based reporting of HCP influenza vaccination in the future. For the first time, CDC is reporting performance measurement data for acute care hospital-based healthcare professionals (HCPs). The data indicate 82% of hospital-based HCP were reported by their hospitals as vaccinated against influenza in 2013-14. The highest proportion vaccinated was among hospital employees (86%) and the lowest was among licensed independent practitioners (62%). Reported proportion vaccinated varied widely by state. Data were reported by 4,254 acute care hospitals, which represent 85% of community hospitals in the United States. This is the most complete accounting available of hospital-based HCP influenza vaccination measurement. These data provide a baseline for measuring changes in hospital-based reporting of HCP influenza vaccination in the future. States and hospitals can use these data to evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to increase HCP influenza vaccination.

Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Pregnant Women — United States, 2013–14

CDC Media Relations
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All pregnant women should get influenza vaccination to protect themselves and their babies. Influenza vaccination protects both pregnant women and their babies from serious illness during and after pregnancy. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend all pregnant women receive influenza vaccination, regardless of trimester. In the 2013-14 influenza season, 52.2% of pregnant women were vaccinated before or during pregnancy. Women who received a recommendation and offer of influenza vaccination from their provider were more likely to be vaccinated than those who did not receive a recommendation or a recommendation but no offer, even among women with negative attitudes towards influenza vaccination. This season, 65.1% of pregnant women reported receiving a clinician recommendation and offer of influenza vaccination, an increase of about 10 percentage points from the 2012-13 influenza season. Clinicians should emphasize to their pregnant patients the risk of influenza infection and the benefits and safety of influenza vaccination for both mom and baby. Clinicians should strongly recommended and offer influenza vaccination to their pregnant patients.

Use of 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine and 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years

CDC Media Relations
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Based on recent data showing added protection against pneumococcal disease, CDC now recommends two pneumococcal vaccines for adults 65 years or older: the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Pneumococcal disease can strike any time of the year. Pneumococcal bacteria can cause severe pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections. Based on recent data showing added protection against pneumococcal disease, CDC today published new recommendations adding a second type of pneumococcal vaccine for adults age 65 years or older — the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). Adults 65 years or older should now first receive one dose of PCV13 and then one dose of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), ideally six to 12 months later. It is safe to get either pneumococcal vaccine at the same time as the flu vaccine. Both PCV13 and PPSV23 provide protection against illnesses like meningitis and bloodstream infections. PCV13 has also proven efficacy against pneumonia.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES