WMA Launches Influenza Immunization Campaign For Physicians

Date: Apr-23-2013A new immunization campaign against influenza among physicians and
other health workers has been launched by the World Medical
Association. The announcement comes as the World Health Organization
begins its Immunization Week under the slogan, "Protect your world -
get vaccinated".

With the support of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical
Manufacturers and Associations, the WMA campaign intends to raise
physicians' awareness globally of the importance of influenza
vaccination among healthcare professionals to protect their patients
and families. A special goal of the campaign is to encourage
physicians to serve as role models by getting seasonal flu shots
themselves.

Dr. Cecil Wilson, President of the WMA, said: 'Influenza
outbreaks represent a significant global health threat that is
frequently overlooked. The medical community has an ethical obligation
to act with the safety of patients as its foremost interest.
Physicians and other healthcare workers are key in preventing the
transmission of infections in clinical settings. By getting immunized,
physicians can set an example for all healthcare workers, patients and
the general public on the importance of getting seasonal flu vaccines
to protect health.'

Dr. Wilson said that the WMA has already taken important steps to
encourage immunization among health workers. For example, last year's
WMA General Assembly adopted a policy on the prioritization of
immunization, calling on its member associations all over the world
'to promote the evidence base and increase awareness about the
benefits of immunization amongst physicians and the public.'

According to the World Health Organization, influenza causes 250,000
to 500,000 annual deaths worldwide. Influenza outbreaks have serious
implications for patients' health and disease outcomes. The Center for
Disease Control estimates that in the United States alone, an average
season of influenza results in tens of thousands of deaths and up to
200,000 hospitalizations due to influenza-related causes. The most
effective way to prevent transmission of influenza from healthcare
workers to patients is immunization, yet immunization rates even in
developed countries, such as the USA, remain low - around 40 per cent,
in contrast to the CDC recommendation of 'vaccination of 100 per
cent of employees who do not have medical contraindications.'

The WMA educational campaign will consistently emphasize the
importance of health worker immunization for patient safety and
quality of care, and physicians' role in driving the change.
Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.