Update on immunizations for healthcare personnel in the United States

• HCP play a key role in the transmission of contagious pathogens within the healthcare setting.
• Immunization of HCP is a key strategy to prevent such transmission as well as protect the HCP from personal injury.
• HCP immunization rates in the United States are increasing but below recommended targets.
• Newer strategies to improve HCP immunization rates in the U.S. include use of mandatory programs and public reporting of these data as a measure of quality.

Healthcare personnel (HCP) play a pivotal role in the transmission of contagious pathogens in the healthcare setting, and HCP are themselves at risk for infection with such pathogens due to the nature of their occupation. Many practices are important in order to reduce infection transmission, including HCP immunization. Unfortunately, HCP immunization rates in the United States (U.S.) have not reached recommended levels, so new strategies are being used to improve HCP coverage, including mandatory immunization and the use of immunization rates as measures of quality and safety. This article will review current practices, policies, and issues surrounding HCP immunization in the U.S.