Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in the emergency department

Abstract

Significant numbers of high-risk patients who are unimmunized against influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia present to the ED. There is hesitancy among ED physicians about assuming the primary care task of providing such immunizations. Any attempt to institute a large-scale vaccination program in an ED setting needs to be carefully planned in a way to involve primary care providers and to decrease ED physician concerns and reluctance.

An Emergency Department–based Vaccination Program: Overcoming the Barriers for Adults at High Risk for Vaccine‐preventable Diseases

“…[2][3][4][5] Influenza vaccination may lead to similar reductions, although the cost and benefits have not been studied. 3,4,6,19,20 These two vaccines, along with the tetanus booster, have the benefit of conferring their immunity after a single dose, as opposed to the hepatitis and many childhood vaccinations, which require a series of shots.…”

“…1 Studies have shown that vaccination in the ED is a cost-effective way to decrease the number of patients who are later admitted to the same hospitals for vaccine-preventable diseases. [2][3][4][5][6] Despite this, there is evidence that ED patients are rarely immunized when needed. 7 Emergency departments are one of the few settings where the medical establishment has access to large numbers of patients with chronic illnesses and underinsured or uninsured people who do not have the opportunity to be vaccinated in traditional primary care settings.…”

Attitudes and Practices Regarding Influenza Vaccination Among Emergency Department Personnel

“…A majority of unvaccinated ED patients indicated that they would accept vaccination if it were offered (14,15). Over half of emergency physicians reported their willingness to prescribe influenza vaccination (16,17). Still, every year in the United States, there are an estimated 2.8 million people treated in the ED setting with limited access to health care who are at high risk for influenza-related complications, but who go without being vaccinated (18).…”

Influenza Vaccination in the Emergency Department: Are Our Patients at Risk?

“…One Canadian study found that 47% of high-risk patients visiting the ED were vaccinated (9). Another study examining ED patients at high risk for influenza or pneumonia found that only 43% of patients were vaccinated against influenza (10). Yet another study reported that 69% of the ED patients participating in an ED vaccination program were high risk and that only 16% were up to date regarding pneumonia and influenza vaccinations (8).…”