KEYWORDS:
Assessment, Adult Immunization Coverage Trends, Random Digit Dialing Telephone Survey

BACKGROUND:
One Healthy People 2010 Objective is to ensure that 90% of adults aged 65 and over receive influenza and pneumococcal immunizations. The San Diego County Immunization Initiative conducted three consecutive population-based random digit dial telephone surveys to gather baseline information on adult coverage and attitudes.

OBJECTIVE(S):
Determine and monitor immunization coverage levels for adults aged 65 years and over in San Diego County. Identify appropriate channels for improving immunization levels among seniors.

METHOD(S):
During 1998-2000, interviews were completed with 1,926 adults aged 65 and over using the random digit dialing telephone survey methodology.

RESULT(S):
Based on self-report, influenza vaccine coverage levels were consistent for the 3 survey years, 1998-2000, at 76.8%, 73.1% and 75.4%, respectively. Rates of respondents who reported having received pneumococcal vaccines were 67.1%, 62.8% and 68.5%, respectively, for those same years. Respondents aged 75 years and over were significantly more likely to report influenza vaccines than younger (65-75 years) respondents. White respondents were significantly more likely to have received influenza vaccines than non-whites. Influenza vaccine levels for male and female respondents were similar. The majority of individuals surveyed indicated that they had a regular source of health care, and the number one reason for obtaining both influenza and pneumococcal shots was that the person’s provider had recommended or offered the immunizations.

CONCLUSIONS(S):
There is a tremendous amount of work needed if we are to accomplish the Healthy People 2010 Objective. We need to develop an adult initiative and identify additional resources in order to implement appropriate adult immunization interventions. Based on San Diego’s survey responses, interventions aimed at health care providers who work with adults would be a good start.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Describe the process for assessing coverage levels for adults aged 65 years and over in San Diego.