MMWR

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

1. Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent and Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Health-Care Personnel — United States, 2009–10 Influenza Season

CDC
Division of News and Electronic Media
(404) 639-3286

Although seasonal influenza coverage among health-care personnel (HCP) in the 2009-10 season was higher than in any previous season, challenges to achieving high vaccination coverage among HCP still remain.  All HCP should be vaccinated annually for influenza, according to recommendations from the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). In a survey of a nationally-representative sample of 1,417 HCP conducted in January, 2010, seasonal influenza vaccination coverage among HCP for the 2009-2010 season was 62%, higher than coverage reported in any previous season.  However, coverage with the influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine was only 37%. A three- to eight-fold increase in coverage was associated with working in facilities with occupational requirements for vaccination.  Health-care administrators should consider influenza vaccination coverage among employees an important measure of patient safety and make appropriate efforts to increase coverage in future seasons.

2. State-Specific Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccination Coverage — United States, October 2009–January 2010

CDC
Division of News and Electronic Media
(404) 639-3286

Over the coming months CDC will be working closely with states and other partners to identify and expand programs and policies that led to greater vaccination rates. This report provides the most complete picture we have had of 2009 H1N1 vaccine coverage in the United States, using data collected from November 2009 through February 2010. As of the end of January, 2010, just under one quarter of the population has been vaccinated against 2009 H1N1, with over one third of children and nearly one fifth of U.S. adults receiving the vaccine. While each state approached 2009 H1N1 vaccination differently and vaccination rates varied, one particularly promising strategy is expanding school-based vaccination programs.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES