Immunization of Healthcare Personnel
- Original Publication:
- May 1, 2024
- Declarations of Conflicts of Interest:
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- Isis Lamphier has no conflicts of interest to disclose.
- Acknowledgments:
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Special thanks to Valerie Sparks, BSN, CIC Infection Control Coordinator at Midland Memorial Hospital - Midland, TX, for authoring the 2014 iteration of the chapter.
Abstract
This chapter describes the critical concepts surrounding the immunization of healthcare personnel (HCP), including the types of vaccines, immunological principles, occupational health considerations, and preventive measures. Immunization serves as a vital safeguard, protecting healthcare workers from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) such as influenza, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, and pertussis. This chapter also addresses barriers to immunization, including vaccine hesitancy, and proposes educational interventions and policy measures to promote comprehensive immunization programs in healthcare facilities.