Employing a Multifaceted Approach Aimed at Increasing Influenza Vaccination Rates

Abstract

Improving influenza vaccination rates continues to be a challenge faced by healthcare providers every flu season. A great amount of time and resources are devoted each year towards advertisement and awareness campaigns aimed at improving public participation. However, despite continued efforts by providers to improve influenza immunization rates in their respective communities, it was reported by the CDC that the influenza immunization rate for all people’s ≥6 months of age during the 2013-2014 flu season was 46.2%. The results reported were obtained via an analysis of state and national telephone survey data in the United States that captured an unweighted sample size of 481,432 individuals through the use of the NIS-Flu and BRFSS telephone survey systems [1]. The 2013-2014 influenza immunization rate falls far short of influenza vaccination goals set by Healthy People 2020. This goal aims to achieve an 80% influenza vaccination rate among individuals 6 months to 64 years old including all pregnant women and a 90% rate among all high risk or institutionalized adults, adults >64 years, and healthcare personnel [2]. Pharmacists have the opportunity as one of the most trusted and accessible healthcare professionals to positively impact vaccination rates throughout their community.