Infection control and hospital epidemiology : the official journal of the Society of Hospital Epidemiologists of America
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Nov 2004
Characteristics of long-term-care facility residents associated with receipt of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations.
Studies have found residency in long-term-care facilities (LTCFs) a risk factor for influenza and pneumonia and have demonstrated that vaccinations against these diseases reduce the risk of disease. However, rates are below Healthy People 2010 goals of 90% for LTCFs. During 1999-2002, a multi-state demonstration project was conducted in LTCFs to implement standing orders programs for immunizations. ⋯ The variation in baseline vaccination coverage associated with LTCF resident characteristics supports the need for strategies to increase vaccination coverage in LTCFs.
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Nov 2004
Concurrent summer influenza and pertussis outbreaks in a nursing home in Sydney, Australia.
To report on the investigation of a summer outbreak of acute respiratory illness among residents of a Sydney nursing home. ⋯ The investigation revealed an unusual summer outbreak of influenza A concurrent with subclinical pertussis infection. Surveillance of acute respiratory illness in nursing homes throughout the year, rather than solely during epidemic periods, in combination with appropriate public health laboratory support, would allow initiation of a timely public health response to outbreaks of acute respiratory illness in this setting.