Impact of New York State Influenza Mandate on Influenza-Like Illness, Acute Respiratory Illness, and Confirmed Influenza in Healthcare Personnel

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2017 Nov;38(11):1361-1363. doi: 10.1017/ice.2017.182. Epub 2017 Aug 22.

Abstract

In 2013, New York State mandated that, during influenza season, unvaccinated healthcare personnel (HCP) wear a surgical mask in areas where patients are typically present. We found that this mandate was associated with increased HCP vaccination and decreased HCP visits to the hospital Workforce Health and Safety Department with respiratory illnesses and laboratory-confirmed influenza. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1361-1363.

MeSH terms

  • Health Personnel / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Influenza Vaccines / therapeutic use
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology*
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control
  • Mandatory Programs
  • Masks* / statistics & numerical data
  • New York / epidemiology
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / prevention & control

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines