Healthcare Providers Shy Away From Flu Shots

According to a new U.S. CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), during the 2022–23 influenza season, among approximately 8.4 million healthcare providers (HCPs) working in over 4,000 acute care hospitals, influenza vaccination coverage was 81% at acute care hospitals and 47% among those at nursing homes.

Published on November 10, 2023, this MMWR confirmed influenza vaccination coverage was highest in the Pacific region (61.1%) and lowest in the South (39.7%).

These CDC researchers wrote, 'Implementing vaccination recommendations for HCP has been a long-standing challenge for the public health and health care sectors.'

'In an effort to improve vaccination coverage among HCP, health care facilities, and federal and state governments have implemented interventions including jurisdiction-wide and facility-wide vaccination mandates.'

The CDC continues to recommend vaccination as long as flu viruses pose a threat in the U.S. During some flu seasons, that can be as late as May or June.