* EC: Training for a Pandemic: How OSF HealthCare used emergency preparedness principles to boost vaccination rates[®] [REF: IC] EC News, December 2014, Vol 17, #12, Pg 1 JCe1412_B4

Yes, as the title of this article suggests, it does describe a hospital’s experience in conducting an emergency preparedness drill (as per EM.03.01.03). They called it a Rapid Immunization Drill as it focused on an influx of persons (requiring influenza vaccination).  Staff were used in place of patients to test the process.  Obviously, the drill served a double purpose.  It was also an opportunity/experiment to see if a shorter, restricted window for flu vaccination, along with multidisciplinary support would increase the percentage of staff receiving flu vaccinations. In the case described here, the organization achieved its highest level of staff participation (78%) in only 42 hours (the designated drill time frame).  In addition, since these vaccinations were done at the beginning of the flu season (Oct 1-2), the facility enjoyed a greater protection over more of the season.  The article provides more details about the approach, which even included a lock-down feature during a second trial the following year.
Tip: IC and LDR should consider this 2-for-1 approach as a potential improvement strategy for achieving the 90% vaccination rate established in the national influenza initiatives for 2020.