Strategies for Increasing Adult Vaccination Rates
Applied to Influenza

This page lists strategies for increasing adult immunization rates and suggests how to apply these strategies to immunization against influenza. These strategies are most appropriately used in years when the influenza vaccine supply is adequate. A general discussion of these strategies can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/adultstrat.htm

• Standing Orders
  A standing order is helpful during influenza campaigns when a large number of people need vaccination, and an individual physician’s order for each patient is impractical.
  Standing order example (.pdf)

• Computerized Record Reminder
  An office computer can be programmed to print a list of patients with medical conditions that put them at high risk for influenza and for whom the influenza vaccine is recommended.
  Computerized record reminder (.pdf)
  Text-only example (.rtf)
  
• Chart Reminder
  Chart reminders can range from a colorful sticker to a comprehensive checklist. These reminders can be placed in prominent positions in the charts of high-risk patients, indicating that they will need influenza vaccine at the next visit. 
  Chart reminder sample (.pdf)

• Performance Feedback
  This strategy can inform providers about the number and percent of total high-risk patients vaccinated. During influenza season, physicians can use a wall chart to track the number of patients vaccinated and measure the actual number vaccinated against an established goal.
  Performance feedback example (.pdf)

  Physicians can also ask office staff to randomly select patient charts and review them for immunization coverage. These samples of coverage can be used to indicate immunization coverage across the practice. Staff can use ACASA software to help with the estimates.
    

• Home Visits
  Organizations that offer home visits can include influenza vaccinations as one of the services for homebound patients.
  Home visit sample (.pdf) 
  Text-only (.rtf)
    
• Mailed/Telephoned Reminders
  Office staff can call a patient or send a postcard or letter reminding patients to come in for influenza or other needed vaccinations. Patients are offered the opportunity to schedule an appointment.
  Phone reminder (script) (.pdf)   
  Postcard reminder (flu) example (.pdf)
    
• Expanding Access in Clinical Settings
  Offering "drop-in" clinics, "express lane" vaccination services, Saturday clinics, and influenza vaccination at convenient retail outlets are some ways to expand vaccination services during influenza season.
  Expanding access sample (.pdf)

• Patient Education
  The Influenza Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) is useful for providing basic information about this season's influenza vaccine and allows patients to ask questions and get feedback.
  Vaccine Information Statement (flu example) (.pdf)
    
• Personal Health Records
  These records help patients keep track of the vaccinations that they have received and can indicate when additional vaccinations are needed, such as the annual influenza vaccination.
  Personal health record example (.pdf)

Accessibility Note: Supporting files that are now available only as .pdf files soon will be available in text-only format (.rtf) for screen-reader devices. Until then, please contact NIPINFO@cdc.gov for assistance.

This page last modified on November 5, 2004