Pledge to GIVe this Influenza Season!
WHAT: Join healthcare workers across the nation in the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases’ “Get Influenza Vaccine every year” campaign, by making a personal commitment to better protect ourselves and our patients against influenza.
WHY: Healthcare workers infected with influenza can transmit the highly contagious virus to patients in their care, which is particularly troubling for the many patients at high-risk for influenza-related complications that can lead to serious illness, and even death. Achieving and sustaining high vaccination coverage among healthcare workers can help protect our patients and keep us healthy in order to provide better medical care during the influenza season. In addition, by getting vaccinated against the influenza virus, we will help protect our families.
As you know, influenza is a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus. Approximately 36,000 people died each year during 1990-1999 from complications of influenza infection. More than 90% of these deaths were among people 65 years of age and older. Over 200,000 hospitalizations occurred each year between 1979 and 2001 as a result of influenza.
But, did you know that the latest research shows only 34% of healthcare workers were vaccinated in 2005? By submitting the GIVe pledge and getting your influenza vaccine, you will join an important initiative dedicated to improving vaccination rates and importantly, patient safety.
HOW: According to the CDC, the single best way we can protect ourselves from getting influenza is by getting vaccinated. By getting the influenza vaccine and taking the GIVe pledge, you are demonstrating that you are committed to helping ensure patient safety and protection—especially for patients at an increased risk for influenza-related complications, such as those with chronic medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes and asthma). Make sure to send the GIVe pledge to your coworkers to keep vaccination rates growing!
WHEN: Today! Set an example – make the pledge to Get your Influenza Vaccine every year!
NFID received funding and other support from GlaxoSmithKline for this initiative.
