Measles is back.
With outbreaks reported across the country (we’re talking 58 cases across 20 jurisdictions in 2023), there’s now an urgent need to combat declining childhood vaccination rates and increasing vaccine hesitancy.
Stressful? Yes. Manageable? Undoubtedly.
So, let’s take a deep breath and start at the beginning.
The comeback
According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of countries battling disruptive outbreaks of measles surged to 37 last year. This marks a 68% increase from 2021, when 22 countries were reporting large outbreaks.
But why?
Despite efforts to eliminate measles, the recent resurgence can likely be attributed to declining childhood vaccination rates and the importation of the virus. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic also may play a role, leading to reduced routine vaccinations, increased vaccine hesitancy, and a decline in overall hospital employee health.
Our saving grace
Employee health nurses stand at the forefront of preventing infectious diseases within healthcare facilities. And with the resurgence of measles, their role just became even more critical.
When paired with infection control nurses, these healthcare professionals form a dynamic duo dedicated to fortifying our main lines of defense — timely vaccination adherence. This collaborative effort is essential not only for individual health but also for maintaining the overall safety and integrity of the healthcare environment.
Simply put, they are the unsung heroes ensuring healthcare facilities remain safe spaces for both providers and patients alike, and we need them now more than ever.
The game-changer: Employee Immunization Tracking
Effectively managing, monitoring, and updating an entire hospital’s staff immunization status is daunting. We get it. In fact, that’s exactly why many organizations are beginning to turn to employee immunization tracking softwares.
But what exactly is an employee immunization tracking software?
These softwares are specialized digital solutions designed to streamline and enhance the management of immunization records within organizations, particularly in healthcare settings. It automates the monitoring, recording, and management of individuals’ vaccination status within an organization.
In other words, this software plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases (measles, we’re looking at you).
So let’s dive into a few key aspects and benefits and how they specifically apply to stopping measles outbreaks once and for all.
Key features
1. Automated tracking
Software automates the tracking process, eliminating the need for manual record-keeping. This ensures accuracy and reduces the risk of human errors in managing vast amounts of immunization data.This type of tracking is particularly crucial during measles outbreaks, enabling swift identification of non-compliant individuals and facilitating targeted interventions.
2. Employee notifications
Various employee immunization tracking softwares may include notification features that alert individuals and healthcare administrators about upcoming or overdue vaccinations.
During measles outbreaks, timely notifications become essential in ensuring that healthcare workers are aware of the urgency in maintaining their immunization status.
3. Compliance reporting:
These softwares can generate comprehensive reports that provide a clear overview of the immunization status of the entire workforce.
During a measles outbreak, these reports could help identify potential areas of vulnerability and enable proactive measures to contain the spread.
The benefits
1. Efficiency
Automation reduces the time and effort required for manual tracking and data entry, allowing healthcare administrators to focus on critical tasks during outbreaks.
2. Record-keeping
The software ensures accurate and up-to-date records, minimizing the risk of vaccination-related discrepancies or oversights.
3. Proactive management
Employee Immunization Tracking Software enables proactive management of immunization status, allowing healthcare facilities to stay ahead of potential risks during measles outbreaks.
4. Regulatory compliance
The software assists organizations in adhering to regulatory requirements related to employee immunization, ensuring compliance with healthcare industry standards.
5. Accountability
The inclusion of notification features encourages employees to take personal responsibility for their immunization status, contributing to a culture of accountability within the organization.
The importance of onboarding
It’s important to note that employee immunization tracking is not just about managing existing staff; it’s also a crucial aspect of new hire onboarding.
You need an employee immunization tracking software vendor that arms you with the tools you need to create a seamless onboarding process, ensuring that new employees are up-to-date with their vaccinations and contributing to a safer healthcare environment from day one.
That’s where we come in.
The Immuware Platform
Immuware’s award-winning platform goes beyond immunization tracking. It encompasses various employee and occupational health programs, including health surveillance, injury and illness management, scheduling, and incident tracking. The platform’s robust reporting and intuitive dashboards provide clear insights, helping organizations navigate regulatory requirements and maintain a compliant and safe workplace.
We make vaccine management easy, allowing clinicians to verify and administer vaccinations efficiently while saving time and minimizing errors. This is particularly crucial in the face of measles outbreaks, where swift and accurate vaccination is paramount.
The bottom line? We believe in working smarter, not harder. You deliver quality healthcare. We do the rest.
The wrap up
In the face of the measles resurgence, healthcare organizations must prioritize the immunization of their staff.
Employee health and safety, coupled with advanced software solutions like Immuware, play a crucial role in creating a safer and healthier environment for both patients and healthcare workers. By staying proactive and leveraging technology, we can work together to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and safeguard the well-being of all.
To see how you can improve protection for your healthcare organization, connect with us.