Oregon Health Workers Report Lower Flu Vaccination Rates, Data Reveal
New data from the Oregon Health Authority indicates that nearly half of the health care workers in Oregon are not getting vaccinated against the flu. This alarming trend reveals that flu vaccination rates among frontline health care workers have significantly decreased over the past five years.
Declining Flu Vaccination Rates Among Health Workers
Only 54% of the 150,000 health care workers who reported their vaccination status during the 2024-25 flu season received the flu shot. This represents an 11-point decline from the previous season and a 36-point drop since the 2019-2020 season. The data is collected through a statewide reporting system that monitors vaccination rates across various facilities.
Health Facilities Reporting and Vaccination Trends
- Outpatient surgery centers: 61% vaccination rate
- Hospitals: 60% vaccination rate
- Dialysis centers: 50% vaccination rate
- Nursing facilities: 30% vaccination rate
- Inpatient psychiatric facilities: 30% vaccination rate
The data reveals that 18% of workers declined the vaccine, while 28% had no vaccination record on file. Dr. Dat Tran, the medical director of the state program dedicated to tracking health care-associated infections, expressed concern about falling vaccination rates. He highlighted that low rates could put medically fragile patients at increased risk during flu season.
Implications of Low Vaccination Rates
According to health officials, the decline in flu vaccination rates can lead to severe consequences. It may result in more workplace outbreaks, affecting staff availability and placing additional strain on hospitals and clinics. Dr. Tran emphasized the importance of health care workers getting vaccinated to protect both themselves and their patients.
Recommendations for Improving Vaccination Rates
Dr. Tran suggested several strategies to enhance vaccination rates among health care workers:
- Offer free or on-site flu vaccines.
- Track vaccination records comprehensively.
- Require declination forms for those opting out of vaccination.
The state has also developed a toolkit for employers to assist in improving vaccination rates at their facilities.
Statewide Vaccination Trends
It is important to note that flu vaccination rates are declining beyond the health care workforce. Less than half of Oregonians typically get vaccinated, with the adult vaccination rate decreasing from 36.5% five years ago to just 31% in the latest flu season. Ongoing efforts will be necessary to reverse this trend and protect both patients and the wider community.
