Press release:
Oakfield Family Medical Care is being recognized by the Genesee County Health Department for achieving a 100-percent influenza (flu) vaccination rate among the facility’s employees during the 2013 – 2014 flu season and is a designated FluSafe facility through the local FluSafe Campaign.
The FluSafe Campaign originated from the Minnesota Department of Health where it began in 2007, and has successfully grown while focusing on increasing influenza immunization rates in hospitals and nursing homes.
Studies have shown that vaccinating employees reduces the rate of disease in health care facilities. Unvaccinated staff can pass highly contagious flu to patients, many of whom are at high risk for complications. High-risk populations include children younger than 5, adults older than 65, pregnant women, American Indians and Alaskan Natives, as well as those who have various medical conditions. Ultimately, low rates of influenza vaccination among staff can be very concerning for patients and the public.
In New York State, a new Flu Mask Requirement was adopted by the Public Health and Planning Council in July 2013. The requirement states that all personnel in healthcare and residential facilities/agencies must where a surgical mask if not immunized, during the formally declared flu season, at all times in areas where patients or residents may be present.
The locally scaled version of the FluSafe Campaign assists physicians’ offices to achieve the goal of 100-percent influenza vaccination coverage for employees, who do not have medical exemptions, because despite the great efforts of preventing flu by mandating surgical masks be worn by healthcare personnel, vaccination remains the #1 way of preventing the flu.
Under the FluSafe Campaign, offices can receive guidance and access to tools and promotional materials through the Genesee County Health Department to help them increase their rates. For a facility to be designated as FluSafe, 70 percent, 80 percent or 90 percent plus of personnel must immunize against the flu and document vaccinations through the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS).
The Genesee County Health Department hopes participation in the campaign grows as FluSafe is a great way for physicians’ offices to emphasize patient safety, like Oakfield Family Medical Care has. If your facility is interested in participating in the FluSafe Campaign for the 2014-2015 flu season contact the Genesee County Health Department at (585) 344–2580, ext. 5000.
