American Journal of Infection Control
February 2016 Volume 44, Issue 2, p125-252, e9-e14
http://www.ajicjournal.org/current

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Brief Reports
Influenza vaccination competence of nurses in France: A survey in nursing schools
Lucille Desbouys, Sabine Grison, Odile Launay, Pierre Loulergue
p236–238
Published online: November 13 2015
Abstract
Since 2008, French nurses have been allowed to vaccinate against influenza without medical prescription. Our survey aimed at assessing nursing students’ knowledge and perception of this prerogative. Among 213 responders, 61% were aware of this matter, and 47.5% were familiar with its requirements. Most (75.6%) were positive about it. Influenza vaccination without medical prescription is well-known and validated by nursing students. This new competence may improve vaccination coverage.

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Association between early influenza vaccination and the reduction of influenza-like syndromes in health care providers
Evelyn Saadeh-Navarro, Elvira Garza-González, Raúl Gabino Salazar-Montalvo, Juan Manuel Rodríguez-López, Lidia Mendoza-Flores, Adrián Camacho-Ortiz
p250–252
Published online: November 13 2015
Abstract
A comparison of 2 different influenza seasons (2013-2014 and 2014-2015) where early vaccination among health care providers (HCPs) in the latter was the difference. Differences in leave of absence because of influenza-like illness (ILI) (52 vs 15 [total number of leave of absence issued], P < .001) and total days of lost work (218 vs 68, P < .001) were found for the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seasons, respectively. An association between earlier influenza vaccination among HCPs and a reduction in ILI, leave of absence, and days of lost work was found.