Improving influenza vaccine coverage in at‐risk groups

Abstract

ObjectivesTo raise awareness of the need for annual influenza vaccination in the elderly (those 65 years of age and older), and of the efficacy of organisational practice strategies (specifically at‐risk registers and reminder systems) to improve influenza vaccine coverage. Data sourcesExtensive search of the existing literature using MEDLINE and manual searching techniques. Recent key review articles on organisational strategies were also studied. Study selectionPrimary source articles were included if they evaluated the efficacy of vaccination and the various strategies used to improve coverage. More attention was paid to randomised controlled trials, although other study designs were considered. A formal algorithm for estimating the effect of organisational strategies was not used; rather, appropriate studies which highlighted advantages and disadvantages were selected. ResultsCurrent levels of vaccination for influenza are low. Negative patient attitudes and lack of an organised and systematic approach are the major barriers to improving vaccination rates. Vaccination coverage can be improved by 10%‐30% by use of at‐risk registers and reminder systems. ConclusionsFurther research is required to determine the impact of both patient attitudes and reminder systems on influenza vaccination rates. A randomised controlled trial is currently underway to look at both these issues. Provider and patient reminder systems should be incorporated into general practice to improve the influenza vaccination rate. (Med J Aust 1993; 159: 542‐547)

Pulmonary Infection

“…Other possible methods for increasing influenza vaccine coverage rates have been described and their efficacy has already been evaluated. It is well known that "good intentions are not enough" (Litt and Lake 1993). Vaccination coverage rates can be improved by 10-30 % by the use of the risk register and reminder systems.…”

“…Vaccination coverage rates can be improved by 10-30 % by the use of the risk register and reminder systems. Actions that have appeared effective were: financial incentives for patients, auditing and feedback, clinician reminders, financial incentives for clinicians, and team changes (more effective when nurses administered influenza vaccinations independently) (Litt and Lake 1993). The most powerful motivation for getting vaccinated in all countries was advice from a family doctor (58.6 %) and the perception of influenza as a serious illness (51.9 %).…”