Infection Control in Hospitals

Study Notes

Identifying epidemiologically important infections and determining staff at high risk for these infections can significantly reduce the incidence of infectious disease transmission.
Implementing screening and prevention programs, such as immunizations, vaccinations, and prophylaxis, is crucial in reducing the transmission of infectious diseases.

Implementation of a staff vaccination and immunization program policy and process to guide administration and management of staff vaccinations and immunizations.
Clinical staff have an ethical and professional obligation to protect themselves, coworkers, and patients/families from infectious diseases.
Vaccination is a duty for all clinical staff, and strategies for reducing patient and staff risk of exposure to infectious diseases may include:
- Promoting vaccination
- Encouraging staff to get vaccinated
- Requiring unvaccinated staff to wear masks at high-risk times of the year (e.g., flu season) or in high-risk areas (e.g., units caring for COVID-19 or tuberculosis patients)

Unvaccinated staff providing care to patients who are vulnerable to infection (e.g., immunocompromised, elderly, and infants) increases the risks to those patients already at high risk for infection.
Staff immunization status needs to be considered when making staff assignments.

The hospital identifies epidemiologically significant infections and staff at high risk for exposure to and transmission of infections.
The hospital develops and implements a staff vaccination and immunization program.
The staff vaccination and immunization program includes a policy and process for administration and management of staff vaccinations and immunizations.
The hospital promotes staff well-being by creating a culture of wellness that supports physical well-being and mental health.

The hospital identifies staff who are at risk for exposure to and possible transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases and implements a staff vaccination and immunization program.

Many clinical staff are at risk for exposure to and possible transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases due to their contact with patients and infectious materials.

Asymptomatic infections are common, and individuals can be infectious prior to having any symptoms.
Clinical staff often report to work even when ill.
Hospitalized patients are at significant risk of injury or death from healthcare-associated infectious disease transmissions.
Infectious disease outbreaks in hospitalized patients have been traced to unvaccinated clinical staff, particularly in cases of COVID-19, influenza A, and tuberculosis.

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