Influenza vaccination of staff in aged care facilities in the ACT: how can we improve the uptake of influenza vaccine?

OBJECTIVE: To examine the self-reported uptake of influenza vaccine by staff in residential aged care facilities in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and the factors influencing vaccine uptake by staff. METHODS: Two confidential cross-sectional surveys were conducted in all (n = 19) residential aged care facilities in the ACT in June 2000. An interview with directors of each facility collected information on the institutional policy and practices for influenza vaccination. An anonymous postal survey of staff collected information on self-reported influenza vaccination status and staff awareness and attitudes to the vaccination. RESULTS: All directors were interviewed (n = 19) and 50% of staff questionnaires (n = 587) were completed. Of respondents, 28% reported receiving influenza vaccine for the 2000 influenza season. Uptake of the vaccine was associated with particular policies and practices of facilities such as: organisation of vaccination for staff (OR 2.52, CI 1.38-4.59, p < 0.001); provision of reminders to staff (OR 2.73, CI 1.70-4.06, p < 0.001); and provision of information on the need for vaccination (OR 1.94, CI 1.03-3.67, p < 0.001). Other factors significantly associated with influenza vaccine uptake included: previous uptake of the vaccine (OR 52.2, CI 35.2-77.4, p < 0.001), vaccination arranged by the workplace (OR 4.02, CI 2.66-6.07, p < 0.001), and awareness of recommendations for staff employed in aged care facilities (OR 3.66, CI 2.28-5.85, p < 0.001). The main reasons given for not receiving the vaccine were the belief that it had significant side effects (42%, n = 146), and concerns about its effectiveness (32%, n = 109). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified a number of factors that can be incorporated into strategies and programs to improve uptake of influenza vaccine by staff in residential aged care facilities.

The Laboratory Virology and Serology Reporting Scheme, 1991 to 2000.

Between 1991 and 2000, the Laboratory Virology and Serology Surveillance Scheme (LabVISE) received 340,730 laboratory reports of viral and non-viral pathogen identifications. In this report, data on 136 viruses and 31 non-viral pathogens is analysed. The age and sex distribution and seasonal fluctuations in infections are described. The major clinical diseases associated with LabVISE pathogens are reviewed together with a survey of recent activity reported in Australia. The contribution of LabVISE over the 10-year period to surveillance of poliomyelitis in Australia, up to and beyond the eradication goal, is described. The contribution of LabVISE to influenza surveillance and control in Australia is also described. Prospects for the continued role of LabVISE in the surveillance and control of viral meningitis, viral gastroenteritis and viral respiratory diseases are reviewed.

An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness associated with the consumption of escolar fish.

An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness occurred amongst attendees of a conference lunch in the Hunter area, New South Wales, in October 2001. A distinctive symptom reported by many ill persons was the presence of oily diarrhoea. The Hunter Public Health Unit investigated the outbreak by conducting a telephone interview of the cohort of conference attendees using a standard questionnaire. Twenty persons out of 44 attendees (46%) became ill following the conference. The median incubation period was 2.5 hours (range 1-90 hours). The most common symptoms reported were; diarrhoea (80%)-38 per cent of these reported oily diarrhoea; abdominal cramps (50%); nausea (45%); headache (35%) and vomiting (25%). For analyses, a case was defined as a person who developed oily diarrhea, or diarrhoea within 48 hours, or had at least two other symptoms of gastroenteritis within 6 hours, of the conference lunch. Seventeen persons had symptoms that met the case definition. None of the foods or beverages consumed were significantly associated with illness, however, all cases had consumed fish and none of those who did not eat fish (4 persons) became ill. Moreover, only 'fish' or 'potato chips' could explain a significant proportion of the illness. Analysis of the oil composition of the fish consumed was consistent with the known profile of the species marketed as 'escolar'. Among those who consumed fish the following potential risk factors did not have a significant association with the illness; Body Mass Index, age, health status and the amount of fish consumed. We concluded that consumption of fish within the marketing group escolar can cause severe abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting, in addition to incontinent diarrhoea.