What vaccination strategies should I promote among my patients to help prevent healthcare-associated infections?

To prevent healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) through vaccination, promote a comprehensive vaccination strategy targeting both patients and healthcare staff. Encourage eligible patients, including those at higher risk such as older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions, to receive recommended vaccines like influenza, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 vaccines, as these reduce infection risk and transmission in healthcare settings ¹.

Implement a multicomponent approach that combines increasing awareness of vaccine benefits, improving access through flexible clinic hours or mobile services, and using reminders and invitations tailored to patients’ communication needs and preferences ¹,². For patients with additional support needs or those from underserved groups, provide accessible information and assistance with decision-making to improve uptake ¹,².

For healthcare workers, promote a full participation vaccination strategy with clear opt-out criteria, supported by peer-led initiatives, leadership endorsement, and convenient vaccination opportunities on- and off-site to maximise uptake and protect both staff and patients ¹.

Ensure accurate recording and timely reporting of vaccinations in electronic health records to monitor coverage and inform targeted interventions ².

Emerging literature highlights the potential for vaccines targeting specific healthcare-associated pathogens (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridioides difficile) to further reduce HCAIs in the future, underscoring the importance of current vaccination strategies as foundational prevention measures (Gagneux-Brunon et al., 2018). Additionally, vaccination against respiratory pathogens like influenza and pneumococcus is a key component of preventing healthcare-associated pneumonia, a common HCAI (Morrow, 2009).