Top 5 Takeaways

1. Influenza vaccination coverage among Health Care Personnel (HCP) was 79.9% during the 2021–22 season.
2. Primary COVID-19 vaccination completion was reported by 87.3% of HCP, with 67.1% of these having received a COVID-19 booster dose.
3. HCP in long-term care settings had the lowest vaccination coverage, and those with employer vaccination requirements showed higher coverage rates.
4. Employer requirements for vaccinations led to significantly higher coverage: 95.8%-97.3% for influenza, 90.2%-95.1% for COVID-19 primary series, and 76.4%-87.8% for COVID-19 booster doses.
5. The report highlights the need for enhanced efforts to improve HCP vaccination coverage, especially for COVID-19 booster doses and annual influenza vaccines.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Hilda Razzaghi, hrazzaghi@cdc.gov.

Suggested Citation

Razzaghi H, Srivastav A, de Perio MA, Laney AS, Black CL. Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage Among Health Care Personnel — United States, 2021–22. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:1319–1326. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7142a2.

Summary

This report provides an analysis of influenza and COVID-19 vaccination coverage among U.S. Health Care Personnel (HCP) during the 2021–22 season. It highlights the significance of both types of vaccinations in reducing morbidity and mortality among HCP and their patients.

Methods

The CDC conducted an opt-in Internet panel survey of 3,618 U.S. HCP from March 29–April 19, 2022. This survey aimed to estimate influenza vaccination coverage for the 2021–22 season and the receipt of the primary COVID-19 vaccination series and a booster dose. The responses were weighted to represent the U.S. HCP population demographically.

Discussion

The findings indicate that influenza and COVID-19 vaccination coverage among HCP varies significantly based on factors such as work setting, education level, and employer vaccination policies. HCP working in long-term care settings or without employer vaccination requirements had notably lower vaccination rates. The study underscores the effectiveness of employer vaccination requirements in increasing coverage.

Conclusion

The study concludes that there is a critical need to enhance HCP vaccination coverage, especially regarding COVID-19 booster doses and annual influenza vaccines. Employer vaccination requirements have been identified as an effective strategy to increase coverage rates among HCP. Additionally, staying current with recommended vaccinations is essential for preventing severe disease and reducing morbidity and mortality related to influenza and COVID-19 among HCP and their patients.