KEYWORDS:
Influenza, Collaboration

BACKGROUND:
In recent years, the timing and delivery of influenza vaccines have greatly affected providers’ ability to schedule clinic services. In order to avoid difficulties for the 2000-01 flu season, the MDH worked with its partners to arrive at a mutually acceptable plan.

OBJECTIVE(S):
To develop consensus on a plan that unifies the provider community in its efforts to reach targeted populations with influenza vaccine for the 2001-02 season.

METHOD(S):
MDH worked with key partners as part of the Minnesota Coalition on Adult Immunization (MCAI) to achieve agreement on to whom vaccine should be targeted, the dates on which vaccination of the target groups could begin, what should be done if vaccines were delayed, and key educational messages. The plan was then distributed to the provider community and others who would be affected by flu vaccination. In order to evaluate its effectiveness, a survey is planned for providers in the spring to compare the dates on which they received their vaccine shipments and when vaccination to groups began.

RESULT(S):
Target dates for vaccination were determined in late May, in time for the largest retail-based clinics to begin their planning. The entire plan was finalized and approved by the MCAI and the MDH Immunization Practices Task Force in June. Distribution of the plan occurred primarily in July. The extended delay in vaccine availability from one of the manufacturers did complicate the situation.

CONCLUSIONS(S):
A well-organized flu vaccination plan can be developed and distributed through collaboration with key players. The timing and distribution remain vital components; however, unexpected events require ongoing flexibility.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Describe a format that can be used to reach consensus on flu vaccination campaigns.Understand key players for which communication needs to take place in order to have widespread cooperation with the plan.