Improving influenza immunization rates through a specialized clinic review

The purpose of this capstone project was to determine if alternative access by way of a focused immunization clinic rather than a regular physician office visit caused an increase from 2009 to 2010 in the number of people in a rural community who received the influenza vaccine. Reasons why the immunization clinic was chosen by the patient for immunization were identified.

This project was conducted by using a descriptive survey design. A questionnaire was given to individuals who participated in an influenza immunization clinic in a rural community in a southeastern state. Data were collected using a seven-item questionnaire completed by participants.

Evaluation of data revealed that 40% of individuals who did not receive their vaccine in 2009 received a flu shot in 2010 through access to the immunization clinic.

Evidence suggests that providing alternative access to immunizations in a rural community could potentially improve the rate of participation of individuals.