Burden of influenza-like illness and effectiveness of influenza vaccination among working adults aged 50-64 years.

Background: Uncertainties regarding influenza disease impact and benefits of vaccination may contribute to low vaccination rates among adults aged 50-64 years.

Methods: This prospective cohort study assessed the burden of influenza-like illness (ILI) among working adults aged 50-64 years and the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in reducing the rate of ILI and productivity losses. Employees of the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis) were invited via e-mail to participate in the study during October 2006.

Rapid diagnosis of influenza infection in older adults: influence on clinical care in a routine clinical setting.

Background: Laboratory diagnosis of influenza has previously relied on viral isolation in culture. Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are now available but few studies have examined their use in older adults under routine clinical conditions.

Objectives: To determine the utility of the RAT in older adults presenting to a large medical center and how test results impacted clinical care.

Safety of influenza vaccinations administered in nontraditional settings.

Nontraditional settings (NTS) are increasingly utilized for adult vaccination but concerns exist about their safety. We conducted this analysis of 542,445 persons vaccinated at an NTS in Minnesota to assess the safety of influenza vaccination in NTS. A total of 112 adverse events (AEs) were reported, 95 immediate and 17 late.

Work-site-based influenza vaccination in healthcare and non-healthcare settings.

Objective: To better understand work-site-based programs for influenza vaccination.

Design: Self-administered, mailed questionnaire.

Setting: Healthcare and non-healthcare companies.

Adherence of mass vaccinators to timing guidelines for influenza vaccination.

Background: With recent delays in influenza vaccine availability, practitioners have been encouraged to time vaccination activities to promote vaccination of high-priority groups first. This cross-sectional survey of persons vaccinated in nontraditional settings (NTS) by mass vaccinators was conducted to assess how effectively the mass vaccinators were able to implement these vaccination-timing guidelines.

Methods: In Minnesota, the Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency (MVNA) is a major mass vaccinator in NTS.