Letter to the Editor
The Boston Globe
P.O. Box 2378
Boston, MA 02107-2378
9/15/11
Dear Editor:
Yesterday, you ran an article called Two Boston hospitals mandating flu shots for workers. I support the mandates from both Public Health and Economics perspectives.
While Public Health experts cannot agree on a specific threshold of vaccination to achieve herd immunity, studies show that “70% of influenza infections in organ-transplanted patients and those with acute leukemia are [hospital acquired]” (Wicker, Sabine et al. 2009). Decreasing these infections through mandated immunization of hospital employees will decrease post-op complications and increase health outcomes.
From an Economics perspective, post-operation hospital acquired influenza has an opportunity cost of available beds and revenue generating services for new patients. For BIDMC, the opportunity cost easily outweighs the fixed cost of $180,000 needed to immunize 6000 employees assuming a total cost of $30 per employee.
To make an even bigger difference, this policy should be extended to all employees, contractors, and volunteers. This would protect patients from infection through touching contaminated surfaces like the flowers a nurse brings up from the gift shop volunteer. Ultimately, the mandatory policy is highly beneficial from a quality of care and a cost cutting perspective and I'm glad that it is being implemented.
Sincerely,
Diana Jin
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