Influenza vaccination for healthcare workers: from a simple concept to a resistant issue?

Different strategies for the management of influenza epidemics are particularly important in elderly population. High morbidity and mortality rates are associated with influenza in the elderly, and annual vaccination against flu is considered to be the best cost-effective strategy. However, its efficiency is reduced in older adults and only half of them are protected. Several studies show that vaccinating healthcare workers is an efficient way of decreasing mortality rates in nursing home residents within influenza season. National and international public health authorities recommend therefore healthcare worker vaccinations for up to 5 years. However, influenza healthcare worker vaccination coverages are still low. Here we summarize data regarding the justification of healthcare worker vaccination, the efficiency of this strategy, the reasons of the reluctance of vaccination, the means and results of interventional programs and, then, focus on the debate of a mandatory healthcare worker influenza vaccination. Because several interventional programs are efficient but still need high financial and human support, only a strong political-will can improve this chosen strategy. (Aging Clin Exp Res 2009; 21: 216-221) (C) 2009, Editrice Kurtis