On Wednesday, October 24, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention stopped by Penobscot Valley Hospital to recognize their extraordinary efforts to vaccinate staff from influenza. During the 2011 - 2012 flu season, over 90% of staff working at Penobscot Valley Hospital received the influenza vaccination.
“Vaccinating staff at the hospital is a priority to ensure that healthcare personnel are kept safe and healthy, which in turn protects the hospital’s patients against influenza,” states PVH Infection Prevention Practitioner Sherry McCafferty, RN.
According to the Maine CDC, vaccinating healthcare workers against the flu is a proven strategy to decrease transmission of influenza to vulnerable patients.
“We are presenting Penobscot Valley Hospital with this award because they have attained the highest vaccination levels in Penobscot County,” states Jessica Fogg, Public Health Liaison with the Maine CDC and DHHS. “This award proves that staff at PVH are committed to the highest levels of patient safety.”
Influenza (the flu) is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Anyone can get sick from the flu, but certain people are at greater risk for serious complications from the flu, including:
· older people,
· young children,
· people with chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, neurologic conditions, and certain other long-term health conditions,
· pregnant women.
With the next flu season approaching, McCafferty is already busy vaccinating staff and the community from the 2012-2013 strain of influenza. If you haven’t already received your influenza vaccination, you may set up an appointment at the PVH Specialty Clinic by calling (207) 794-7203.
 Photo caption: On Wednesday, October 24, members of the Maine CDC Vicki Rea, Field Epidemiologist (left), and Jessica Fogg, Public Health Liaison (third from right) presented Penobscot Valley Hospital staff with a Certificate of Excellence for vaccinating over 90% of staff from influenza during 2011-2012. Pictured (l to r) are Rea; Kate Peabody, LPN; Kathy Schneider, RN Clinical Coordinator; Sherry McCafferty, RN Infection Prevention Practitioner; Fogg; Marge Carney, Clinic Secretary, and David Shannon, PVH CEO.
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