Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
1. By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to list 3 strategies for soliciting feedback from partners and stakeholders.
2. By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to describe 4 activities to improve influenza vaccine delivery.



Background:
Influenza vaccine shortages during the 2004-05 flu season highlighted deficiencies in the vaccine delivery system at the national and state levels. The Massachusetts Department of Public (MDPH) the 2004-05 flu season was used to identify deficiencies in the state vaccine delivery system and to develop action steps for the 2005-06 season and for pandemic planning.


Setting:
MDPH purchases and distributes approximately 700,000 doses of influenza vaccine every year to local health departments, long-term care facilities and provider and hospitals in the public and private sectors. State-supplied vaccine accounts for approximately half the doses of influenza vaccine administered in the state.


Population:
Massachusetts has a population of 6.4 million. State-supplied influenza vaccine is targeted to Massachusetts residents most at risk for complications from influenza.


Project Description:
Following the 2004-05 flu season, MDPH held after-action meetings, focus groups and facilitated discussions with partners and stakeholders to elicit feedback and develop action steps to improve vaccine delivery in times of vaccine shortages and delays. Areas that were addressed included decision-making, communications and vaccine delivery.


Results/Lessons Learned:
Based on feedback from partners and stakeholders, for the 2005-06 flu season, MDPH established weekly meetings of an influenza team, provided regular flu advisories for providers and other stakeholders, enhanced the influenza and flu clinic websites, enhanced the flu hotline, and revised prioritization for state-supplied vaccine distribution. Many of these activities have been incorporated in the state pandemic plan.