Parkland Health Center scored the highest compliance rate for flu vaccinations in BJC HealthCare for the third year. Slightly more than 87 ppercent of its employees received flu vaccinations. Don Dush, occupational health nurse, is credited with this success because of his persistence and determination. Dush compliments the employees for this achievement. "Without the employees' dedication to patients' health, this high compliance rate would not have been possible," says Dush.

Dush also recognizes the support from Hospital administration through incentives. Small prizes were given to all participants, and their names were placed in a pool. In addition to rewards, Dush contacted department managers on a weekly basis to remind them to encourage compliance and to educate employees on the benefits. He created friendly competition within the Hospital to increase compliance.

Influenza vaccination is an integral part of patient safety. Often people believe the vaccination will make them sick or not protect them from the flu, so they decline the vaccine.  Education is important for those who do not understand the benefits and misunderstand the risks.  Other than allergies to the vaccine, there is little evidence that supports refusal.