@article{ref1,
title="US school/academic institution disaster and pandemic preparedness and seasonal influenza vaccination among school nurses",
journal="American journal of infection control",
year="2012",
author="Rebmann, Terri and Elliott, Michael B. and Reddick, Dave and Swick, Zachary D.",
volume="40",
number="7",
pages="584-589",
abstract="BACKGROUND: School pandemic preparedness is essential, but has not been evaluated. METHODS: An online survey was sent to school nurses (from state school nurse associations and/or state departments of education) between May and July 2011. Overall school pandemic preparedness scores were calculated by assigning 1 point for each item in the school's pandemic plan; the maximum score was 11. Linear regression was used to describe factors associated with higher school pandemic preparedness scores. Nurse influenza vaccine uptake was assessed as well. RESULTS: A total of 1,997 nurses from 26 states completed the survey. Almost three-quarters (73.7%; n = 1,472) reported receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine during the 2010-11 season. Very few (2.2%; n = 43) reported that their school/district had a mandatory influenza vaccination policy. Pandemic preparedness scores ranged from 0 to 10 points, with an average score of 4.3. Determinants of school pandemic preparedness were as follows: planning to be a point of dispensing during a future pandemic (P < .001), having experienced multiple student or employee hospitalizations and/or deaths related to H1N1 during the pandemic (P = .01 or <.05, respectively), having a lead nurse complete the survey (P < .001), and having the school nurse study participant be a member of the school disaster planning committee (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: US schools must continue to address gaps in pandemic planning.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0196-6553",
doi="10.1016/j.ajic.2012.02.027",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2012.02.027"
}