Impact of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination on the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among healthcare workers at an academic medical center in Vermont.

Infection prevention strategies and vaccination reduce risk of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission to healthcare workers (HCWs). We describe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) incidence and vaccination rates in a cohort of HCWs at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Before vaccines, the HCW COVID-19 incidence paralleled that of the State of Vermont; after vaccination, incidence fell and remained low.

Using focus groups to revise an educational booklet for people living with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

The incidence of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has grown in epidemic proportions; in many individuals, MRSA causes recurrent infections. MRSA infections can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact or contact with contaminated objects. Once confined to hospitalized individuals, MRSA is now seen in otherwise healthy individuals and congregate community settings. There is a demand for educational materials to guide MRSA patients in self-care, preventing recurrences, and reducing transmission. In 2004, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department in Washington State led the effort to create an educational booklet for people with MRSA. Due to resource constraints, it was created without audience testing. In 2005, the revision of Living With MRSA involved audience testing using two focus groups comprising people living with MRSA and their families. This report describes the work of an interdisciplinary professional work group using focus groups to revise an educational booklet for people living with MRSA as patients, family members, and caregivers.

Regulation of tattooing in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota: tattooists' attitudes and relationship between regulation and practice.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated tattooists' attitudes regarding government regulation and the relationship between existing tattooing regulation and tattooists' knowledge and practice of infection control. METHODS: Self-reported and observational data were collected in a cross-sectional study of professional tattooists. A written survey was used to investigate knowledge and practice of infection control and attitudes toward government regulation. Infection control practice was also examined through direct observation of tattooing. Rating scales were used to compare tattoo artists subject to local tattooing ordinances with those in areas without ordinances. RESULTS: Sixty-one tattooists (45 regulated, 16 unregulated) completed surveys and 25 (17 regulated, 8 unregulated) were observed. Attitudes toward regulation were generally positive. Most participants supported health department inspections and training requirements. The presence of local tattooing ordinances was not associated with tattooists' knowledge (p=0.53), but was associated with self-reported practices (p=0.05). A more positive attitude toward regulation was associated with the use of more self-reported infection control procedures (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Tattoo artists in areas with local tattooing ordinances may implement more bloodborne pathogen precautions than those in areas without ordinances, despite working from a similar knowledge base. Tattooists most in need of improvement may be difficult to reach due to opposition to government intrusion. Federal guidelines, clarification of OSHA rules applying to tattooists, and statewide regulation are needed. Tattooists should be involved in the development of regulations.