Written answers

Tuesday, 2 May 2017

Department of Health

Vaccination Programme Data

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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946. To ask the Minister for Health the targets in place for the uptake of the winter flu vaccine among front line Health Service Executive, HSE, staff; the number of front-line HSE staff that availed of the vaccine in the past three years for which figures are available; the way these compare with targets; the way in which uptake is promoted among staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19786/17]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The HPSC collects data on uptake among Healthcare Workers working in hospitals and long term care facilities annually using web-based surveys sent to each facility. The reports are distributed back to each facility and hospital and HSE management and placed on the HPSC website

In Q1 2017, the target for influenza vaccine uptake among Healthcare Workers has been set at 40% by the HSE. Although some hospitals and long term care facilities have met the target of 40% uptake, the national average % uptake is below the target, although substantial improvements have been noted in the past three influenza seasons, rising form 21.3% to 30.8%.

The number of Healthcare Workers availing of influenza vaccine for the past three years (note provisional data for 2016-2017 season) is laid out in the following table.

Column 12016-2017*2015-20162014-2015
Hospitals No. hospitals participating each season 505045
No. HCWs reported vaccinated in participating hospitals 195231483312006
No. eligible for vaccination in responding hospitals 634455920551324
Seasonal average % uptake 30.8*22.521.3
Long term care facilities (LTCFs) No. LTCFs participating per season 8510191
No. HCWs reported vaccinated in participating LTCFs298524202739
No. HCWs reported eligible for vaccination in responding LTCFs11013935510658
Seasonal average % uptake 27.1*26.628.1

*2016-2017 season – provisional data mid season (updates as of April 2017)

The National Immunisation Office has developed communication and training materials and provided education sessions for Healthcare Workers both locally and nationally. The updated website includes frequently asked questions for Healthcare Workers. Throughout the winter season, the National Immunisation Office staff answered queries relating to flu vaccination. Pens and bags were provided as incentives to local areas to encourage Healthcare Workers uptake. Local Departments of Public Health supported and lead local initiatives, including work on the peer vaccination programmes.

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