Focusing on the Patient Encounter to Improve Adult Immunization Rates

Abstract

Objective: Healthy People 2010 established target goals for the percentage of adults immunized against Pneumococcus and seasonal influenza. Our objective was to create a vaccine program to allow our family practice clinic to reach these goals. Methods: Initial chart review (n=50) determined our clinic’s baseline percentages for Pneumococcus and billing records identified the number of influenza vaccines administered the previous year. We developed a vaccine program focused on direct intervention and executed it in two six-month phases; the first focused on seasonal influenza, and the second targeted Pneumococcus. We determined program efficacy of phase one (influenza) via shot volume and phase two by measuring post-program vaccine percentages thru a second chart review (n=104). Results: Pneumococcal coverage for adults age ≥65 dropped from 47 to 39% [95% CI: 23-71% & 22-56%], well short of the Healthy 4 People 2010 target of 90%. We measured a 16% volume increase in the administration of the seasonal influenza vaccine. Significance: Vaccines have tangible and positive effects on patient health. Direct intervention is an effective method for physicians to improve vaccine percentages, but is costly and time consuming.