Interim results: state-specific influenza vaccination coverage--United States, August 2010-February 2011

The 2010--11 influenza season was unusual because it followed the 2009 influenza A pandemic (H1N1) season and it was the first season the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended influenza vaccination of all persons aged ≥6 months. The season also was notable because a record number of seasonal influenza vaccine doses (approximately 163 million) were distributed in the United States. To provide preliminary state-specific influenza vaccination coverage estimates, CDC analyzed Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data for adults aged ≥18 years and National Immunization Survey (NIS) data for children aged 6 months-17 years collected September 2010 through March 2011. By February 28, the preliminary national vaccination coverage estimate was 49.0% for children aged 6 months-17 years; among 43 states and the District of Columbia (DC), coverage ranged from 30.2% for adults aged 18-49 years to 68.6% for adults aged ≥65 years. The record high seasonal vaccination coverage achieved during 2009-10 (41.3%) among persons aged ≥6 months in 43 states and DC was sustained during the 2010--11 season (42.8%). Coverage for Hispanic and non-Hispanic black children increased by 11-12 percentage points from 2009-10 levels. Opportunity exists to improve coverage in all age groups, particularly among adults. To accomplish that, health departments and other nonoffice-based vaccination providers can increase access to vaccination at work and school locations, pharmacies and stores, and other nonmedical sites. In addition, physicians and clinics should implement proven strategies for improving vaccination coverage (e.g., office-based protocols, including reminder/recall notification and standing orders).