Experts urge flu vaccinations for nurses

With the flu season fast approaching leading experts have called upon Australian nurses to get the jab and protect themselves from the virus. Tara Wyllie reports.

With the release of the 2012 flu vaccine slated for March 15, experts from the Influenza Specialist Group (ISG) have Australian nurses set firmly in their sights, arguing that it is vital they be vaccinated. Concern was raised earlier this year at the organisation’s Annual Scientific Meeting where it was revealed that only 40 per cent of nurses are being vaccinated against the flu.

ISG Director and President of the Immunisation Nurses Special Interest Group, Kerryn Lajoie, said the uptake level is too low. She suggested this could be due to the general public’s negative attitude and misconceptions towards influenza.

“Many nurses believe if they’re fit and well, they don’t need the vaccine. Some are concerned about the possibility of side effects and still believe the vaccine actually gives you the flu,” Lajoie said.

Despite this perception, the flu vaccination has a proven 70 to90 per cent success rate, according to the ISG. Although not 100 per cent successful, as the flu virus constantly mutates resulting in different variations, vaccination is still highly recommended.

“Even at 70 to 90 per cent effective, the vaccination is still worth getting. If you happen to get a virus that is not one of the specific viruses targeted in the vaccine, you will be less sick as you will have some cross protection,” Lajoie said.

According to the ISG, the flu virus incubates the body one or two days before symptoms develop, which makes it easy to spread to anyone whom you have had contact with. “Those nurses who stay at home after developing symptoms still represent a serious threat to patients and could put their lives at risk,” Lejoie said, adding that a possible solution to the low vaccination uptake levels would be to have nurses sign a declaration when choosing not to be vaccinated.

“This declaration would give healthcare facilities the opportunity to educate them, dispel any myths and also reinforce the duty of care rationale.”

According to the ISG, infection rates among healthcare workers is 23 per cent during a mild season, through to 47.5 per cent during outbreaks. Nurses are not only putting themselves at risk but also the health of their patients.

“Being healthy just isn't enough. The flu doesn't discriminate. It kills two to three thousand people a year in Australia and although groups such as the elderly are at greatest risk, even healthy younger people can die from influenza,” Lajoie said.

The ISG said nurses and GPs play a vital role in prompting patients to consider the benefits of influenza vaccination and addressing concerns about efficacy and safely. “Nurses are in an ideal environment to utilise every encounter to remind patients of the benefits of vaccination,” Lajoie said.

The ISG has urged practice nurses, in particular, to initiate patient recall programs and to schedule flu clinic visits for at risk patients such as 65 year olds, Indigenous Australians, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions such as severe asthma, lung and heart conditions and renal disease. Taking these steps of action will not only educate patients but ensure they are protected from influenza in 2012.

To help nurses prepare for flu season, the ISG has released an information guide available at www.influenzaspecialistgroup.org.au/publications/influenzaa-guide-for-gps