Improving influenza vaccination rates among adults

Influenza remains an important cause of illness and death in this country. Even though we have safe and effective vaccines, vaccination rates among the elderly and other high-risk groups remain static and well below national goals. Health care providers can boost these vaccination rates by educating themselves, by recommending that their patients be vaccinated, and by implementing evidence-based strategies such as programs to remind themselves and patients to be vaccinated, to utilize standing orders for nurses or other qualified professionals to offer and administer vaccines, and to provide feedback on performance. We should also consider alternative paradigms for vaccine delivery, and be sure to be vaccinated ourselves.