ISSUE: Influenza vaccination rates for employees at Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital employees have historically been approximately 40% annually. We set out to increase organizational employee vaccination compliance by utilizing the facility’s existing monetary rewards program.

PROJECT: Quarterly at Levindale, all employees are eligible for a monetary bonus based on results of selected indicators, such as customer satisfaction survey results. Due to an Influenza outbreak on two LTC units within the facility during the 2004-2005 Influenza season, the 2005-2006 flu planning committee received support from administration to allow Influenza Vaccination administration among employees to be the selected indicator for the winter quarter (October-December 2005). Employees who received vaccine were given a cash bonus (part-time and prn employees received half of all bonus amounts). If 80% of employees became vaccinated during the quarter, another cash bonus of the same amount would follow (part-time and prn employees received half). The only exclusions to the program included employees on disciplinary action and those who worked less than 18 shifts for the quarter. Employees who refused vaccination signed a declination form.

RESULTS: Influenza vaccine was received on October 3^rd, 2005 and was administered through December 31, 2005. 528 total vaccines were administered to 627 total employees. Levindale improved its employee Influenza Vaccine compliance from 32% during the 2004-2005 season to 84.2% during the 2005-2006.

LESSONS LEARNED: A monetary incentive program improved Levindale’s Influenza vaccination rates among employees. Development of a successful Employee Influenza Incentive Campaign required substantial buy-in and financial support from administration. The incentive program made the Levindale flu vaccine program a success during for 2005-2006 Influenza season.