Tuba City earns top award for employee flu vaccination

TUBA CITY, Ariz. - On June 21, Joint Commission Resources' (JCR) third annual Flu Influenza Vaccination Challenge recognized Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation (TCRHCC) for exceeding the 95 percent goal for influenza vaccination among health care workers for the 2010-2011 influenza season

It was the first year TCRHCC participated in the challenge and reached an employee influenza vaccine rate of 97 percent. This has earned TCRHCC the "Gold Level" status.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), influenza vaccination is the most effective method for preventing influenza and its potentially severe complications.

Debi Farrell, Infection Prevention Director, who coordinates flu clinics for the staff said, "TCRHCC healthcare workers are also community members who have contact with many people outside the work facility."

"Because of this, there is increased opportunity for acquiring and transmitting influenza," said Farrell. "When we vaccinate a large number of staff we create a safer environment for our patients and community."

She said vaccination against influenza is one of the quickest and easiest things a healthcare worker can do to protect themselves, their patients, family and friends.

"We can assure our patients that we have taken steps to prevent them from becoming ill with influenza transmitted by healthcare workers," Farrell noted.

As part of the Flu Challenge, hospitals across the country reporting a 90 percent or higher vaccination rate amongst employees were honored with Gold Tier status. Those hospitals reporting at least a 75 percent rate were recognized with Silver Tier and a reporting rate of at least 65 percent were awarded Bronze.

Farrell is proud of this outstanding recognition, which is a reflective of TCRHCC continued drive to improve patient safety and outcomes.

"Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation has been recognized by The Joint Commission Resources as a 'Gold Tier' hospital for having one of the top seasonal influenza vaccination rates for health care professionals and organizations," she said.

JCR reported, of the health care organizations that participated, 17 percent achieved a gold vaccination level. TCRHCC was one of the 17 percent.

"The fact that 97 percent of the employees were vaccinated against influenza shows their commitment to protecting their patients, community and loved ones," said Farrell. "TCRHCC employees have set the bar high for all other hospitals."

The Flu Vaccination Challenge promotes health care workers to get vaccinated against the seasonal flu; a key measure towards reducing the risk of flu outbreaks in health care organizations.

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