Improving influenza immunization rates in the uninsured.

Abstract

Infection from influenza virus causes tens of thousands of deaths annually in the United States, costing millions to manage hospital complications. Barriers exist for patients to choose the influenza vaccine, which is proven to effectively reduce incidence of infection and complications from influenza virus. A significant percent of uninsured patients are at high risk of these complications because of chronic illness. This article examines the literature for evidence of effective interventions to increase influenza uptake rate in the uninsured adult population. Literature review of data sources including the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Effective interventions include free vaccines, mass communication efforts, implementing an influenza questionnaire, training health care workers, using a vaccine facilitator, implementing a standing orders policy and opt-out policy, scheduling year-round appointments, clinicians recommending the vaccine, clinician audit and feedback, tracking in an electronic medical record, and narrative communication techniques. To reduce influenza-related costs, and improve health outcomes, it is imperative that nurse practitioners use evidence-based interventions in the practice setting to increase influenza uptake rates in the adult uninsured population.