Authors: Priscella Correa, Shravan Devkota, Collette Loftin, Angela Phillips, Sherri Drinnon, Alee Friemel.
The annual influenza season in the United States poses a considerable public health burden, leading to numerous deaths, hospitalizations, and substantial economic costs. Despite the preventable nature of influenza, vaccination rates remain below the target, with only 46.9% of adults immunized during the 2022-23 season. This study examines the effectiveness of a comprehensive influenza vaccination initiative implemented at the West Texas A&M University to address the specific challenges of a densely populated campus environment.
A campus wide influenza immunization initiative that began in 2018, has demonstrated positive outcomes, with increasing vaccination numbers each year. The study utilized a survey to evaluate the experiences and motivations of faculty and staff who participated in the fall of 2023. Convenience emerged as a key factor influencing vaccination decisions, with over 88% of participants cited it as a major consideration. The survey also revealed the initiative's success in attracting individuals who might not have actively sought vaccination elsewhere, emphasizing the importance of on-campus accessibility.
Nursing faculty wish to continue to promote on campus wellness and so to further enhance vaccination rates, the study recommends robust marketing strategies, follow-up conversations with vaccine decliners, additional vaccination dates, easily accessible drive-through clinics, and faculty-led wellness events.
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