Influenza Vaccination in the Elderly

Pharmacist-Managed Vaccination Program Increased Influenza Vaccination Rates in Cardiovascular Patients Enrolled in a Secondary Prevention Lipid Clinic

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To determine whether a vaccination program in a pharmacist-managed secondary prevention lipid clinic increased influenza immunization rates in a high-risk population, and whether age or gender disparity existed among those vaccinated.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Large, multispecialty, group practice.

PATIENTS

A total of 476 and 266 patients seen at clinic visits during the 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 influenza seasons, respectively.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Immunization rates were compared before (2003-2004 influenza season) and after (2004-2005 influenza season) the implementation of the influenza vaccination program; chi2 analysis was used for all statistical inferences. Vaccination rates increased significantly from 39% to 76% (p<0.0001) after program implementation. No before-after difference in rates was noted based on gender. Before implementation, patients younger than 65 years were less likely versus those aged 65 years or older to receive the influenza vaccine (29% vs 58%, p<0.0001). Age disparity in vaccination rates was eliminated after initiation of the program.

CONCLUSION

The pharmacist-managed program increased influenza vaccination rates in high-risk patients with cardiovascular disease in advance of the newly published secondary prevention guidelines. Age-related differences in the vaccination rates were eliminated after program implementation.