Because healthcare professionals are at risk of developing and passing on pertussis to others, a hospital-based program attempted to increase their vaccination rate from 58% to 90%. Their successful program was highlighted in a recent study.

• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital implemented a program that included changes in its occupational health program processes, launching of an educational campaign, better access to vaccines, and a push by members of a task force designed to promote vaccination.
• Overall vaccination rates reached 90% within 15 months of setting up the program and has been sustained over time by reviewing the vaccination status of new employees as they come on board, and by making sure employees who do not have documentation of their tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccines (Tdap) are vaccinated.