Voluntary reporting of employee influenza vaccination rates by acute care hospitals in Iowa: the impact of a four year provider-based statewide performance improvement project

Objective: In 2006 a voluntary, provider-based project was initiated to improve influenza vaccination rates among healthcare workers (HCWs) employed by acute care hospitals in Iowa. The statewide vaccination target was 95% by 2010. Data from the first four influenza seasons (2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009 and 2009-2010) are presented.

Methods: A website was used to submit and circulate hospital-specific influenza vaccination rates. Rates were fed back to participating hospitals from the outset and hospital-specific rates made publicly available for the last two influenza seasons.

Results: Hospital participation rates ranged from 86% in season 1 to 100% in the subsequent three seasons. Statewide median hospital employee vaccination rates trended upward from 73% in season 1 to 93% in season 4. By season 4, 35% of participating hospitals had reached or exceeded a 95% vaccination rate. In season 4 the mean employee vaccination rate of 19 hospitals reporting use of a mandatory vaccination policy was 96% vs. 87% in the 64 hospitals not using such policies.

Conclusion: Over a 4 year period, while participating in a provider-based, voluntary project, acute care hospitals in Iowa reported significantly improved seasonal influenza vaccination rates among their employees.