CDC has noted low influenza vaccination rates. A selection from CDC’s press release, Flu vaccine coverage remains low this year, is reprinted below. As of early November, only about 2 out of 5 people in the United States reported having gotten this season’s flu vaccine, yet flu vaccine offered substantial benefit last season by preventing an estimated 5 million flu illnesses and 71,000 flu hospitalizations.
Flu vaccine coverage estimates, based on survey data collected through early November 2016, show vaccination levels similar to this time last season. Forty percent of people overall reported having received a flu vaccine, including 37 percent of children ages 6 months to 17 years and 41 percent of adults ages 18 years and older. Included below is an infographic on the benefits of flu vaccination (developed by the CDC).
The Great Plains QIN team offers education, resources and tools to promote vaccination best practices, guidelines and tools for all members of the public, including healthcare professionals. We have 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 about immunization recommendations. Join our Learning and Action Network today. All ‘improvers’ welcome. For immunization related information, tools and resources, visit our Web site.