Guideline on influenza vaccination for staff in Chinese medical institutions

Abstract:

To enhance the administration of influenza vaccine among staff in Chinese medical institutions, the Healthcare-associated Infection Control Branch of Chinese Preventive Medicine Association, in collaboration with the China Clinical Practice Guideline Alliance, has formulated the "Guideline on Influenza Vaccination for Staff in Chinese Medical Institutions". This guideline mainly focuses on 7 clinical related issues based on research progress and expert opinions both domestically and internationally. The Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 version of the evidence grading tool was utilized to evaluate study quality and develop recommendations. The guideline emphasize the importance of influenza vaccination for staff in medical institutions, which can reduce their own incidence of influenza and effectively reduce the risk of nosocomial transmission. This guideline recommends that all staff in medical institutions should actively receive influenza vaccination, unless contraindications exist. It is recommended to prioritize influenza vaccination for staff with an extremely high risk of infection transmission, high-risk population, and pregnant women. In addition, the guidelines also provide advice on choice of vaccine, as well as timing and frequency of vaccination. In view of the low vaccination rate of influenza vaccine among staff in medical institutions and significant regional differences in China, this guideline proposes the need for enhancing health education on influenza vaccination, adopting a "diversified" approach according to the specific circumstances of each province and city, and actively carrying out organized vaccination activities.