BACKGROUND:
The flu season of 2004-2005 has been very unpredictable. This has not been the first time the United States has experienced a vaccine shortage, however, with planning and purpose the unpredictable flu season can function smoothly.

OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this project was to demonstrate to participants how to utilize data, strategy, key metrics, and quality measures to assist in planning for unpredicatable and predictable flu vaccine campaigns.

METHOD:
We utilized a prioritization matrices in weighing our options about the delivery of the flu vaccine in our community. The marices allowed us to quickly narrow down our options through a systematic approach of comparing choices by selecting, weighing, and applying criteria.

RESULT:
We received 20,000 doses of flu vaccine and directives from the CDC on how to distribute the vaccine. With those items in mind and our responsibility to the community, we went to work. We formed a small committee and prioritized our data. The data included the CDC's criteria, the transfer of vaccine and how to vaccinate our health care workers at local hospitals. Holding true to the metrics we transferred 30% of our vaccine to health departments, hospitals, nursing homes and health care facilities. The rest was administered to high risk folks and health care workers.

CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, we have taken a near crisis situation and controlled the fear and panic by utilizing quality tools to quide us in planning, delivering, transferring and administering vaccine to those who needed it most.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
The participant will understand how to utilize quality priciples by manipulating data, developing strategy, utilizing key metrics, and forming plans quickly in unpredicatable influenza seasons. The participant will also adopt these concepts that can be transferred to any vaccination planning process in the future.