Childhood Influenza Vaccination Uptake 2003-2008 in a Large Group Practice

Background:
Influenza immunization recommendations for pediatric patients have expanded in recent years and new strategies are needed to achieve high immunization rates in this population.

Setting:
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic provides primary and specialty care in the Houston, Texas area. We describe strategies to increase influenza vaccine coverage rates among pediatric patients in a large health care organization.

Population:
Children receiving care at all Kelsey-Seybold Clinic locations.

Project Description:
Influenza vaccine campaigns have become increasingly sophisticated and automated at KSC over the past 5 years, targeting health care workers, children and adults with known risk factors. Interventions include pre-recorded telephone reminder messaging with the option to connect to an appointment desk, a focused campaign to immunize healthcare workers and overcome their misconceptions about influenza vaccination and standing orders for immunization.
A retrospective electronic database search of five consecutive influenza seasons (2003/04 - 2007/08) was performed to assess pediatric influenza immunization rates in children 0-18 years of age (0-23 months, 24-59 months, and 5-18 years).

Results/Lessons Learned:
Influenza vaccine coverage rates in eligible children 0-23 months of age increased from 18.9% at baseline to 38.9% in 2007/08, while rates for children 24-59 months increased from 22% at baseline to 36.4% and those for children 5-18 years remained stable at around 15%. Children receiving 2 shots in their first year of immunization increased from 18.9% to 38.9%.