Health Care Provider / Facility Influenza Immunization Toolkit

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has compiled these resources to help health care providers and facilities implement effective influenza immunization programs for their staff. This toolkit contains information to help you explain the solid science on the importance of vaccinating health care personnel (HCP) against influenza. It also contains tools to assist in ordering, storing, and administering influenza vaccine for staff as well as your adult patients.

Making sure HCP receive an annual influenza vaccination will protect your staff and patients, and reduce disease burden and health care costs. HCP influenza coverage in NYS remains around 86% in facilities and agencies. Influenza vaccination of HCP has been proven to lead to:

  • reductions in HCP illness and absenteeism.
    • HCP who receive influenza vaccine report approximately 30% fewer influenza-like illnesses and use 30-50% fewer sick days.
  • reductions in health care-acquired influenza.
    • Up to 25% of HCP contract influenza each season.
    • HCP can transmit influenza to their patients even before they know they are sick. All individuals infected with influenza are contagious for at least one day before symptoms develop.
  • improved patient outcomes.
    • Residents in nursing homes with high HCP vaccination levels have greater than 40% reduction in overall mortality.
  • cost savings.
    • Influenza vaccination has been estimated to save $13.66 per person vaccinated annually.
    • The cost of promoting and delivering vaccinations to HCP is lower than the costs associated with influenza illness.

Table of Contents

Healthcare Personnel (HCP) Influenza Vaccination Campaign Timeline

Laws and Regulations

Reviewing the Evidence

Vaccine Ordering, Storage, and Handling

Vaccine Administration

Vaccine Documentation

Educational Materials

Additional Resources