Rates of coverage with influenza and pneumococcal vaccine are better but gaps remain. An analysis of data from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey suggests room for improvement in coverage rates.
Influenza: Among adults aged 65 years and older, 69 percent had received an influenza vaccine in the past year, with rates slightly higher in men (70 percent) than women (68 percent). Influenza vaccination coverage increased from 67 percent among adults aged 65 to 74 years, to 72 percent for those 75 to 84 years, and 73 percent for those 85 years and older.
Pneumonia: 64 percent of elderly women and 63 percent of elderly men have had the pneumococcal vaccine. Pneumococcal vaccination increased from 61 percent for those aged 65 to 74 years to almost 69 percent among those aged 75 to 84 years. The rate was 68 percent in those 85 years and older.
Tetanus: The data show that 57 percent of adults in the 65 or older bracket had a tetanus vaccine in the past 10 years, with rates higher in men (61 percent) than women (54 percent). Tetanus vaccine coverage decreased with advancing age, from 61 percent in adults aged 65 to 74 years to 48 percent in those aged 85 years and older.
Shingles: Only 34 percent of adults aged 65 and older have ever had a shingles vaccine, with rates a bit higher in women (36 percent) than men (32 percent). Shingles vaccine coverage decreased with advancing age, from 36 percent in adults aged 65 to 74 years to 29 percent among those 85 years and older.
According to the study, for all of these vaccines, non-Hispanic whites were more apt to get them than were other racial and ethnic groups and coverage was positively associated with family income.
Taken together, the data show that “gaps remain” in vaccine coverage among older adults in the United States, Tina Norris, PhD, NCHS researcher stated.
Source: Gaps Remain in Recommended Vaccines for Older Americans – Medscape – June 28 2017.
Great Plains Quality Innovation Network is actively working with providers, patients, partners and stakeholders to implement best practices to increase immunization rates for influenza, pneumococcal disease and herpes zoster. We offer a wealth of free evidence-based resources, best practices, guidelines and tools to break down barriers to care for disparate populations. We have also convened a Learning and Action Network (LAN) to give providers, community organizations and patients the opportunity to share and learn. Ultimately, we intend to improve access to and quality of care through our efforts. Together, we play an important role in helping to educate patients about immunization recommendations. Join our Learning and Action Network today.