Immunizations Best Practices Updated

The Home Health Quality Initiative (HHQI) 2018 Immunization & Infection Prevention Best Practice Intervention Package (BPIP) is now available. The Immunization & Infection Prevention BPIP is designed to guide leaders to ensure agency immunization and infection prevention programs are evidence-based and focus on patient and employee safety. It assists leaders in developing strategies to improve immunizations for both patients and employees. Immunization and infection prevention tools and Web links on current guidance and standards are included in the BPIP.

Key updates include the CDC’s immunizations guidelines for the 2018-2019 influenza season, statistics including those from the 2017-2018 influenza season, updated herpes zoster vaccine availability, and additional resources. Download the BPIP now or visit the BPIP webpage to browse all associated resources.

Specific additions to the 2018 Immunization & Infection Prevention BPIP include:

• Updated recommendations regarding flu vaccination related to Live Attentuated Influenza Vaccine (p. 8)
• Egg-free influenza vaccines (p. 9)
• 2017-18 influenza death and hospitalization rates (p. 10)
• Herpes Zoster vaccines and efficacy rates (p. 18)
• Updated Medicare billing information (p. 33)
• Home Health Infection Prevention Toolkit (p. 52)

The Adult Immunizations course in HHQI University has also been updated and approved by Alabama State Nurses Association for 2.0 Nursing contact hours. Alabama State Nurses Association is an accredited approver of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC).