WHO recommends that HWs be vaccinated in opposition to numerous antigens ([i]). Globally, international locations have most steadily reported vaccinating HWs in opposition to hepatitis B, seasonal influenza and measles ([ii]). In specific, the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn world consideration to the significance of vaccinating well being and employees (HWs). Countries are expressing curiosity in constructing from their experiences deploying COVID-19 vaccination to develop or strengthen nationwide HW vaccination programmes.

WHO headquarters, regional, and nation places of work have labored intently with ministries of well being to doc examples from Argentina, Mongolia, Oman, Paraguay and Thailand. These vignettes present illuminating snapshots of nationwide HW vaccination programmes and have been revealed right here: Influenza health worker vaccination programmes: platforms for pandemic preparedness

This new publication paperwork international locations’ experiences leveraging HW vaccination for seasonal influenza and different vaccine-preventable ailments to assist COVID-19 vaccine introduction. In addition, it supplies perception into the construction, motivations, and worth of the HW vaccination programmes. A quick overview of key themes recognized within the 5 nation vignettes embrace:

• Legal foundation: In Argentina,  the introduction of a nationwide authorized framework for well being employee vaccination was a key enabler of seasonal influenza vaccination and supported COVID-19 vaccine introduction.
• Community buy-in: In Mongolia, HWs are necessary drivers of seasonal influenza vaccination uptake, as they’ll talk the significance and security of annual seasonal influenza vaccination to their sufferers. HWs are vital champions of influenza vaccination who encourage uptake of seasonal influenza vaccines (and COVID-19 vaccines) by different goal populations.  
• Nudge: Oman has a seasonal influenza vaccination programme aim of reaching and sustaining not less than 95% protection amongst high-risk teams. HW vaccination in opposition to seasonal influenza is voluntary. However, non-vaccinated HWs are required to signal a refusal type, moved to noncritical care capabilities, and should use their annual go away as an alternative of their sick go away in the event that they change into sick with influenza.
• All day, all evening supply: In Paraguay, well being establishments have a vaccinator and an immunization programme supervisor who’re accountable for checking the vaccination standing of HWs, selling uptake of the vaccines and offering vaccination. Vaccination is supplied to each day and evening shifts to allow entry for all HWs.
• Pandemic preparedness: In Thailand, utilizing current influenza vaccine administration methods and buildings enabled the nation to rapidly attain excessive protection charges for COVID-19 vaccination as quickly because the COVID-19 vaccine provide was enough.

References

[i].        Table 4: Summary of WHO place papers – immunization of well being care employees. In: WHO/Publications [website]. Geneva: World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/table-4-who-recommendations-for-routine-immunization, accessed 30 August 2023).

[ii].       Young S, Goldin S, Dumolard L, Shendale S, McMurren B, Maltezou HC et al. National vaccination insurance policies for well being employees – a cross-sectional world overview. Vaccine. 2023 Jun 13:S0264-410X(23)00518-2 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37321897/, accessed 30 August 2023).