Evaluation of a team-based quality improvement initiative for influenza vaccination in an underserved population.

Abstract

Influenza vaccine is the most effective way to prevent influenza. However, low vaccination rates continue especially in underserved populations. To increase influenza vaccinations in an underserved population and to evaluate the impact of influenza vaccinations compared to previous year influenza vaccinations. Federally-Qualified Health care Center for the Homeless, Richmond, Virginia PRACTICE INNOVATION: Team-based quality improvement initiative led by a pharmacist champion. Before and after evaluation of the quality improvement initiative was conducted by comparing the total number of vaccines administered to those administered the previous year. Influenza vaccinations increased by 42% over the prior influenza vaccination season (1269 vs. 895), respectively. From a population perspective, 31% of patients received an influenza vaccine in 2019-20 and 48% in 2020-21. During the 2019-20 influenza vaccine season, the majority of patients vaccinated were female 56% versus 50.9% in 2020-21. The average age increased from 2019-20 to 2020-21, 37.62 years of age versus 42.71 years of age, respectively. A team-based quality improvement initiative was successful in improving our influenza vaccination program for adults and has served as a foundation for the delivery of other vaccines. Lessons learned were used to implement a COVID-19 vaccine program.