Influenza Vaccination Strategies

Amy Groom, MPHIHS Immunization Program Manager

Amy.Groom@ihs.gov

Agenda

• Overview - Amy Groom– IHS Flu Coverage Data– Summary of resources and best practices

• Navajo Area – Successful influenza vaccination strategies – Diana Hu

• Nashville Area– Area perspective – Nichole Blackfox– Perspective from the field

• Sandra Day – Poarch Creek• Debbie Roshon – MicMac

Mid-Season EstimatesU.S. vs. IHS Flu Coverage Data

U.S. Estimates as of Nov. 2011*

IHS Estimates as of Dec. 5th, 2011**

IHS Estimates as of Jan 14th , 2012**

Overall (≥ 6 months) 36.3% 25.2% 29.9%

Children (6mos-17 yrs)

36.7% 25.8% 31.5%

Adults (≥ 18 yrs) 36.2% 24.9% 29.3%

65+ years 62.3% 37.8% 43.5%

*Based on self –reported vaccine status. Full report available at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/national-flu-survey.htm **Based on patient medical record. Reports available at: www.ihs.gov/flu

Flu Vaccine Coverage By IHS AreaJanuary 14th, 2012

All Ages (6 months +)

U.S. Estimate: 36.3%

National Resources

• Flu vaccine finder, educational materials– www.cdc.gov/flu– www.flu.gov

• Immunization Action Coalition – sample standing orders, provider materials – www.immunize.org

• Effective Strategies to Promote Influenza Vaccine Uptake Among Culturally Diverse Populations - Joint AHIP/CDC/HHS recorded webinar. http://media.beaconlive.com/doAuth

• Walgreens influenza voucher initiative

IHS Resources• Available at www.ihs.gov/flu• Public Service Announcements

– Wes Studi– California Rural Indian Health Board– IHS Director

• Posters and Fact Sheets with AI/AN people• Flu Presentation for community members• Tool Kits

– Tribal Head Start/Early Childhood Education programs– Community Vaccination Guide

Best Practices

Best Practices

• Increase access to vaccine– Flu Immunization protocols and standing orders – Walk in flu clinics/streamlined registration– Extended clinic hours, weekends/evenings– Clinics in the community

• Schools, chapter houses, casinos, grocery stores– Hire additional staff/overtime authorization– Pharmacist immunizers– Mass vaccination clinics for emergency preparedness

• Collaborations between IHS, Tribes, state/local health departments, schools

• Vaccine promotion - start early!– Local radio, newspapers, tribal newsletters– Community education (PHNs, CHRs)

Best Practices cont. • Review the data– Influenza report in the RPMS Immunization

Package– IHS Influenza Awareness System (IIAS) weekly

reports• Influenza-like illness trends• Flu vaccine doses administered and coverage

• Utilize Reminder Recall - “Not Current” list in the RPMS Influenza Report

Next Steps• Our population is at high risk from flu - we must do better!• Review current flu vaccination opportunities

– Standing orders?– Walk in opportunities?– Pharmacist immunizers?

• Review vaccine coverage data THROUGHOUT the season– Reminder Recall strategies for those not vaccinated

• Educate providers AND the community about the importance of flu vaccination

• Influenza vaccination is a TEAM effort.