Many Pa. healthcare workers got flu shots

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Pennsylvania health officials are recognizing healthcare facilities with staff flu vaccination rates of 90 percent or higher on an online honor roll.

Dr. Eli Avila, secretary of health of Pennsylvania, said the state has been working with several partners to conduct regional trainings on employee vaccination and patient safety.

The partners include: Health System Association of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Immunization Coalition, the Center for Vaccine Ethics and Policy at the University of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority and Pennsylvania State Hershey's School of Medicine.

"Increasing vaccination among healthcare workers is a critical step in helping us to protect and ensure the health of all Pennsylvanians," Avila said in a statement. "Preventing influenza in our healthcare workforce reduces absenteeism and improves our ability to respond to the needs of the community."

In Pennsylvania, 29 hospital-based facilities and 11 long-term care facilities have achieved a 90 percent or higher staff vaccination rate and are placed on the honor roll at www.flufreepa.com, Avila said.

Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta found about 63 percent of U.S. healthcare workers received a flu shot during the last flu season -- well below the federal goal of 90 percent.