- Healthcare workers are crucial in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses like the flu and COVID-19.
- Vaccination is a vital tool, alongside hand hygiene and PPE, to protect yourself and others.
- Updated COVID-19 vaccines for 2024-2025 offer protection against current variants.
- Free and low-cost vaccination options are available for many healthcare workers.
- RSV vaccines are recommended for specific age groups and pregnant women.
Getting your flu and COVID-19 shots can feel like a chore, but for healthcare workers, it’s a critical move. respiratory virus season is here,and that means the flu,COVID-19,and RSV are circulating. The good news? Vaccinations are a powerful weapon in your arsenal.
You can learn more about the vital role vaccines play in protecting you and your patients and residents from Janet Glowicz,PhD,RN,a nurse infection preventionist with CDC’s Project Firstline.
Protect Yourself and Your Patients
Vaccines are essential for your personal safety and can definitely help stop the spread of viruses. They help reduce your risk of getting sick and can make the illness shorter and less severe, perhaps preventing time away from work and avoiding hospitalization.
Last respiratory virus season, the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine was 58% effective against COVID-19 associated critical illness and death up to six months after vaccination. Vaccination is also effective against less severe illness; COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against urgent care or emergency department visits was 50% within two months after vaccination.These estimates reflect the additional benefit provided by 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccination in a population where many peopel already have immunity from previous vaccinations or from having previous infections.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing, and protection from vaccines decreases over time. Getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine for 2024-2025 helps protect you against the currently circulating variants causing most infections and hospitalizations in the U.S. COVID-19 vaccination also reduces your chance of Long COVID, which can develop during or after infection and can last for a long time.
Vaccination Recommendations for Healthcare Workers
All healthcare workers should consider the recommended vaccines for respiratory viruses.
are COVID-19 vaccines free? Most people can still get the COVID-19 vaccine for free. If you have health insurance, most plans will cover the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you. If you don’t have health insurance or have a health plan that doesn’t cover the full cost, you may still be able to get a free vaccine.
Individuals aged 65 and above are at the highest risk of being hospitalized and experiencing severe illness from the flu and COVID-19. They make up the most COVID-19 and flu-related hospitalizations and deaths annually in the United States. Further, many underlying conditions including chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity as well as being pregnant may place people at higher risk of severe influenza and COVID-19 disease. Those with weakened immune systems or multiple medical conditions are also at higher risk of severe illness. Your healthcare provider can definitely help you be aware of your risk for severe complications and encourage the recommended vaccinations.
Additionally, the RSV vaccine is recommended for all adults ages 75 and older and for adults ages 60-74 years who are at higher risk for severe illness and hospitalization from RSV. RSV vaccine is also recommended for pregnant women between 32 through 36 weeks gestation with seasonal use (meaning during September through January in most of the United States) to protect the infant from severe RSV disease. If you are age 60-74 with certain health conditions, age 75 or older, or are pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about an RSV vaccine.
As a healthcare worker, it’s also important to understand the risk of these illnesses to your patients and residents and take action. even if you are not personally at high risk for severe illness, by getting vaccinated, you can help keep yourself from getting sick and spreading germs to others.
Staying proactive
Your facility’s Occupational Health Department can help you remain aware of all currently recommended vaccines in accordance with state or territorial laws. You can also check with vaccine providers if you’d like additional details, such as your healthcare provider and local pharmacies. For updates, visit the Advisory committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Vaccine Recommendations website.
Here are four facts you can share if there are concerns about vaccine safety:
- CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Management (FDA), and other federal agencies closely monitor the safety of all vaccines licensed and recommended for use in the United States.
- ACIP carefully considers the benefits and risks of vaccines as part of their evidence-based process for recommending them for use.
- Additionally, CDC has multiple systems that track vaccine safety after administration.
- To date, hundreds of millions of people have safely received a COVID-19 vaccine under the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history.
Employer-sponsored vaccination programs are an effective way to help your staff receive recommended vaccines during respiratory virus season. Offering recommended vaccines is beneficial to everyone in your facility and can make the process more convenient and cost-effective by removing common barriers to access.
During respiratory virus season, it’s important to stay informed about the spread of viruses in your area. Keep an eye out for updates from your facility or local health department.
To learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and your patients this season, check out Project Firstline’s Infection Control Actions for Respiratory Viruses.
Beyond Vaccines: Holistic Approaches to Respiratory Virus Prevention
Vaccination is only one part of the overall strategy to combat respiratory illnesses.As healthcare workers, a multi-faceted approach can maximize your protection and minimize the spread of these viruses. Consider these additional layers of defense, building on the foundation of vaccination, to safeguard yourself and your patients against the flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Hygiene
Remember that PPE is your first line of defense. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including N95 masks or respirators, eye protection, and gloves, when interacting wiht patients who may have respiratory infections. These measures are key to preventing transmission:
- Hand Hygiene Heroics: Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water, or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, is non-negotiable, especially before and after patient contact.
- Mask up: Masks, especially high-filtration respirators, are your best friend in airborne environments. Ensure they are properly fitted and worn.
- Environmental Awareness: Implement and adhere to isolation protocols for patients with respiratory infections. Consider the importance of airflow and ventilation in patient care areas.
The Power of Education and Awareness
Educating patients about preventive measures and staying informed about local virus activity is also crucial. Staying up-to-date on current guidelines from the CDC and your local health department is very vital. Encourage patients to practice good hygiene and wear masks themselves, especially if they are feeling ill.
How do I know if I am eligible to get vaccinated? Your healthcare provider can definitely help you understand your specific risk factors for severe illness.
Workplace Strategies for A Healthy Habitat
Your workplace plays a meaningful role in your health and the health of your patients. Advocate for, and participate in, your facility’s infection control measures.
- Ventilation and airflow: Improve airflow in patient care areas. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove airborne viruses. Regularly clean and maintain HVAC systems.
- Screening and Testing: Support robust screening protocols for patients, including temperature checks and symptom questionnaires, to identify potential respiratory infections. Encourage prompt and frequent testing.
- Sick Leave Policies: Advocate for and utilize clear sick leave policies that encourage employees to stay home when ill to prevent the spread of the virus. When you are sick, stay home.
Supporting Your Mental and Physical Well-being
Healthcare is very demanding, and stress can weaken your immune system. prioritize your own mental and physical health to stay resilient.
- Stress Management: Implement stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.
- Support Network: Lean on your colleagues and seek support when needed.
Why is a combined approach so critically important? A multi-pronged approach gives health workers robust protection and contributes to community-wide health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still be sick if I am vaccinated?
Yes, vaccines don’t guarantee 100% protection but considerably decrease your risk. You could still become infected, but your illness will likely be milder.
What if I am allergic to a COVID-19 vaccine?
Consult your healthcare provider. There are very rare instances of severe allergic reactions reported, and alternatives may be available based on your specific situation.
Can I get the flu and COVID-19 vaccine simultaneously occurring?
Yes, you can receive both vaccines simultaneously. it’s safe and convenient,and recommended by health professionals.
Where can I find the latest updates on respiratory virus activity?
Regularly check the CDC website and your local health department. Your facility’s infection control department will also provide updates.
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