KEYWORD1:
Reminder/Recall
influenza/pneumococcal vaccinations
direct mail

BACKGROUND:
Pneumococcal and influenza diseases are the seventh-leading cause of death in Missouri. Over 90 percent of those deaths were among people 65 years of age and older. Based on 2000 CMS Medicare claims data in Missouri, 37.2 percent of beneficiaries over age 65 received influenza shot, and 39 percent received a pneumococcal vaccine.
The CDC and medical journals have published evidence that a reminder / recall is an effective strategy to motivate individuals to get immunized. Methods include direct mail pieces or personal phone calls from provider office.

OBJECTIVE:
To increase the pneumococcal and influenza immunization rates in 27 Missouri counties with a lower ratio of eligible adults immunized for these vaccines.
To provide local public health departments an efficient, effective way to provide reminders for immunizations.
To educate people on the importance of influenza vaccinations, access to them and payment methods.


METHOD:
· 40,000 reminder/recall brochures direct mail to Medicare beneficiaries with no history of a claim for a pneumococcal vaccination within the last ten years.
· Brochure will provide:
o LPHA contact information
o suggestion to contact primary health care provider for immunization,
o education on the health benefits and safety,
o information about who should get these vaccines and source of payment,
o response card soliciting information from recipient and offering a free gift.
· Project was in partnership with the MissouriPRO, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Sections of Vaccine-Preventable and Tuberculosis Disease Elimination, and the Show-Me State Adult Immunization Coalition.

RESULT:
Comparison between the 2000 and 2002 Medicare claims data for influenza/pneumonia vaccinations, and evaluation the information collected on the response cards.

CONCLUSION:
Reminder/recall systems can improve utilization of influenza/pneumonia vaccine. As of November 2002 we have realized a 9% response rate. Medicare claims analysis will be completed upon receipt of the claims data.

LEARNINGOBJECTIVES:
The participants will be able to:
· describe the effectiveness of reminder/recall among adults.
· apply lessons learned.