New Zealand's Health Care Acquired Infections: Burden and Control

This report examines the burden of health care-acquired infections in New Zealand, focusing on influenza and other respiratory viruses. It highlights the significant public health impact, citing statistics on annual infection rates and hospitalizations. The report discusses the Ministry of Health's initiatives, including vaccination campaigns and infection control guidelines. Key factors contributing to infection risk are identified, such as chronic diseases, pregnancy, and age. Preventive measures like vaccination, surveillance, and hygiene are emphasized. The report also references international approaches, particularly in the U.S., where strategies like the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Healthy People 2020 initiative aim to reduce influenza-related deaths. The document concludes by referencing sources from ESR, National Vaccine Advisory Committee, Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Ministry of Health of New Zealand.

HEALTH CARE ACQUIRED INFECTIONS IN NEW ZEALAND
BURDEN OF DISEASE
FACTORS OF THE
INFECTION
PREVENTIVE
MEASURES
CONTROL GUIDELINES
The burden of influenza in health care
setting is understood from the following
statistics:
Every year 10-20% of the New Zealand
population is infected with Influenza
thus reflecting it as a major public
health issue in the country
2, 028 hospitalization took place in New
Zealand due to influenza infection in
2015
The incidence and prevalence of
dementia mostly increases in winter
and spring in New Zealand.
The rate of influenza reduces when the
temperature is warm and the humidity
is high (archive.stats.govt.nz., 2015).
•People with chronic disease
conditions like asthma, COPD,
diabetes and liver disorder are at
high risk of infection
•Pregnant women and children
between 6-59 years are also at risk
(World Health Organization, 2018)
• Influenza vaccination
• Surveillance
• Adherence to basic hygiene
precaution
• Education
In response to the influenza epidemic,
seasonal influenza campaign was
implemented in New Zealand
The main aim of the campaign was to improve
vaccination coverage and promote use of LAIV
(live attenuated influenza vaccine).
The Ministry of Health of New Zealand has also
developed guidance on controlling influenza
infection by giving details about basic
technique for preventing the spread of
infection control measures, management of
pandemic in workplace and health and risk
categorization process (moh.govt.nz, 2017).
INTERNATIONAL
APPROACH
In U.S., the Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices (ACIP) have focus on
high risk of influenza infection
Health care workers include both who are
directly or indirectly involved in care
National Vaccine Advisory Committee (2013)
also gives the evidence that Healthy People
2020 Annual Influenza Vaccine Coverage Goal
has been developed to reduce annual influenza
associated deaths.
REFERENCES
ESR. (2017). Influenza and other respiratory virus surveillance. Retrieved from:
https://www.esr.cri.nz/our-services/consultancy/flu-surveillance-and-research/influenza-flu-
and-other-respiratory-virus-surveillance/
National Vaccine Advisory Committee. (2013). Strategies to achieve the healthy people
2020 annual influenza vaccine coverage goal for health-care personnel: recommendations
from the national vaccine advisory committee. Public Health Reports, 128(1), 7-25.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2017). Influenza Vaccination Information for
Health Care Workers. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/healthcareworkers.htm
moh.govt.nz. (2017). Guidance for Infection Prevention and Control during an Influenza
Pandemic. Retrieved from:
http://www.moh.govt.nz/notebook/nbbooks.nsf/0/42C7CA1478556705CC257AFC0006CECD