We are preparing for vaccination season! The Great Plains Quality Innovation Network (QIN) is working to improve vaccination rates of Medicare consumers in the region. Pharmacies play a vital role in many of our quality improvement activities, including ensuring individuals receive the proper vaccinations. To assist with promotion and education, we are providing this toolkit for your Pharmacy.
Immunization Toolkit for Pharmacists
The need for vaccination is a life-long priority for all individuals. Vaccines are recommended in all stages of life; helping communicate that message to individuals in our communities is important.
Unfortunately, influenza and pneumonia remain the 8th leading causes of death in the United States. Immunization rates among adults, particularly racial and ethnic minority populations and those with reduced access to healthcare resources, show significant opportunity for improvement. With your help, we can take big steps to reduce the number of individuals who are hospitalized or die from vaccine preventable diseases. Over the next few years, Great Plains QIN is committed to achieving the following:
- Immunization rates of 70 percent for influenza, 90 percent for cumulative pneumococcal and 30 percent for herpes zoster
- An absolute rate of 90 percent for adult immunization status assessment, appropriate immunization or referral
- A significant reduction in immunization disparities
Included in this electronic toolkit are informational brochures and outreach materials to education and display in your pharmacy, including:
- Medicare consumer outreach materials
- MLN billing and coverage fact sheets
- Vaccination promotion poster and CDC flyer samples
- Resource list for additional materials
Let’s change the story on vaccinations! Data shows racial and ethnic minorities, as well as rural populations, are significantly less likely to receive immunizations. We aim to close the gap. Thanks for your continued efforts to improve immunization rates and for partnering with us to reach our vision of making health in our region the best in the nation.