On October 7, 2021 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Foundation for Infectious Disease (NFID) kicked off the 2021–2022 flu vaccination season. The importance of flu vaccination, along with other vaccinations, is emphasized during the campaign.
It is important to note that COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines can be given at the same visit. The COVID-19 vaccines have been in the spotlight for the past several months, but the CDC is also emphasizing the importance of the flu and pneumococcal vaccines at this time. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC Director, is reminding the public and healthcare professionals that vaccines have been shown to reduce illness, hospitalizations, and deaths.
The 2020–2021 flu vaccination coverage increased to 50.2% from 48.4% in the prior flu vaccine season, due largely to the 50-64 year old and the 65 years and older populations. The 65 year and older age group hit a historic high of 75.2% being vaccinated against the flu in the 2020–2021 flu season. However, there were findings of decreased or continued poor flu vaccination levels in the following populations:
- decreased immunization among children,
- continued, and in some cases, worsening racial and ethnic disparities,
- decreased coverage among healthcare personnel working as nursing assistants/aides,
- only half of adults with underlying conditions got flu vaccine last season, and
- continued wide variation per state in coverage for both children and adults.
The CDC partners with other groups each year to help improve flu vaccination rates. Outreach programs will be used to decrease worsening disparities in vaccination coverage among some populations.
As of September 13, 2021, data shows that 8% of adults have reported being vaccinated against the flu, and another 51% report plans to get vaccinated against the flu. The Weekly National Flu Vaccination Dashboard is updated each week and can be accessed here. Obtain the CDC announcement here.
Compliance Perspective
Issue
As the flu season approaches, facilities should begin to emphasize the importance to staff, residents, and families of receiving the flu vaccination. Education should be provided to staff, residents, and their families that the COVID-19 vaccine does not protect against the flu, and that the flu vaccine can be given at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine. The flu vaccine’s importance should be stressed to decrease the likelihood of staff, residents, or their families becoming victim to the flu.
Discussion Points
- Review your policies and procedures on flu vaccinations. Update as necessary for the 2021–2022 flu season.
- Train all staff, residents, and their families on the importance of receiving the flu vaccine. Document that these trainings occurred and file the individual signed documents in each employee’s education file.
- Periodically audit your facility’s flu vaccination rates and provide further education to employees who have not received their flu vaccines on the importance of vaccination in preventing illness and outbreaks.
