Doctors need flu shots, too. And don't forget your staff

Experts are predicting an adequate supply of vaccine this season and encouraging physicians to be among the first in line.

Editorial. Oct. 24/31, 2005.

Each year an estimated 36,000 deaths and more than 200,000 hospitalizations result from common influenza.

These stark figures lead health officials to reiterate other truths -- most notably, that the flu vaccine ultimately saves lives and hospitalizations. It also reduces the disease's ability to undermine work productivity and cause other inconveniences.

But unless people get the shot, it can do no good. And physicians continue to be among those who don't always internalize this message.

Overall, physicians and other health care workers have a lower-than-expected vaccination rate -- less than 40% actually receive it. This even though those who are involved in direct patient care are among the high-priority groups named by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in influenza vaccination recommendations. Thus, it must be said: Physician, vaccinate thyself.

By rolling up their sleeves and facing the syringe, physicians and other health professionals can reduce the flu's transmission to patients and minimize its spread among staff, therefore reducing the number of sick days and lessening the flu's impact on patient care. The intranasal vaccine, FluMist, is also an appropriate alternative for many health care workers. They tend to be healthy adults and most fall into the appropriate age range for the vaccine -- 5 to 49 years old.

Regardless of the means, being vaccinated is also important for another reason. Physicians should lead by example.