Vaccination coverage outcomes and health care organization program implementers’ experiences after introduction of a health care worker influenza vaccination mandate in Victoria, Australia, 2022-2023

Abstract

Background

In 2022, the Victorian government, Australia, introduced a seasonal influenza vaccination mandate for specified health care workers (HCW). We describe implementation of the mandate’s requirements in health care organizations by

• (1)
  Reporting 2022 and 2023 HCW vaccination coverage rates
• (2)
  Describing the experiences of vaccination program implementers.

Methods

An analysis was undertaken of annual organizational surveillance data routinely reported by health care organizations to the coordinating center from 2018 to 2023. Focus group interviews with program implementers were conducted.

Results

Annual vaccination coverage increased from a median of 85.4% (2018-2021) to 93.6% (2022-2023). Those with “unknown status” and declinations decreased from a median of 8.2%-5.1% and 5.0%-1.1%, respectively. Implementers described increased leadership support and accountability for program delivery, and a focus on educating HCWs on the mandate and how to provide evidence of vaccination. New challenges included interpreting the mandate and applying pragmatic consequences. Implementers described increased administrative burden and seeking technological solutions.

Conclusions

Introduction of the mandate coincided with an increase in HCW influenza vaccination coverage and changes to program delivery. Investment in technological solutions can support surveillance by reducing the administrative burden and potentially increasing reporting accuracy of number of HCWs with “unknown status.”