All adults need immunizations to help them prevent getting and spreading serious diseases that could result in poor health, missed work, medical bills and not being able to care for family or loved ones.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month. We can all use this month to raise awareness about vaccines and share strategies to increase immunization rates with our community. Adults of all ages are encouraged to talk to their doctors about which vaccines they may need to protect their health and prevent the spread of disease. Some adults with specific health conditions should not get certain vaccines or should wait to get them. In addition, it is especially important for patients with chronic health conditions to be up-to-date on recommended vaccinations as they are at increased risk for complications from certain vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Great Plains QIN Team is working to offer education, resources and tools to promote influenza, pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccination best practices, guidelines and tools. 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 patients about immunization recommendations. Join our Learning and Action Network today. All ‘improvers’ welcome.
For much more on National Adult Immunization Awareness Month, visit the CDC site. For a full list of vaccinations recommended for adults, visit the CDC site for more information.To learn about vaccine coverage through the Medicare site.
For additional resources, tool kits and fact sheets, visit our Web site.