Preventing influenza: the physician's role

Influenza remains a preventable cause of illness and death in this country. Vaccination is the most cost-effective method for preventing influenza, and yet vaccination rates continue to be less than 30% to 40% for targeted high-risk groups. Physicians are in a unique position to provide the leadership and impetus needed to improve influenza vaccination rates for targeted groups. Contributors to physicians' success will include adequate knowledge of influenza and the vaccine, objective measures of current performance, and the ability to develop and implement successful immunization programs. It is likely that administrative and organizational changes in clinical practice will provide the critical elements for success.