Promoting Adherence to Influenza Vaccination Recommendations in Pediatric Practice

In the United States, nonadherence to seasonal influenza vaccination guidelines for children and adolescents is common and results in unnecessary morbidity and mortality. We conducted a quality improvement project to improve vaccination rates and test effects of 2 interventions on vaccination guidelines adherence.

We conducted a cluster randomized control trial with 11 primary care practices (PRACTICE) that provided care for 11 293 individual children and adolescents in a children's health care system from September 2015 through April 2016. Practice sites (with their clinicians) were randomly assigned to 4 arms (no intervention [Control], computerized clinical decision support system [CCDSS], web-based training [WBT], or CCDSS and WBT [BOTH]).

During the study, 55.8% of children and adolescents received influenza vaccination, which improved modestly during the study period compared with the prior influenza season ( P = .009). Actual adherence to recommendations, including dosing, timeliness, and avoidance of missed opportunities, was 46.4% of patients cared for by the PRACTICE. The WBT was most effective in promoting adherence with vaccination recommendations with an estimated average odds ratio = 1.26, P < .05, to compare between preintervention and intervention periods. Over the influenza season, there was a significantly increasing trend in odds ratio in the WBT arm ( P < .05). Encouraging process improvements and providing longitudinal feedback on monthly rate of vaccination sparked some practice changes but limited impact on outcomes.

Web-based training at the start of influenza season with monthly reports of adherence can improve correct dose and timing of influenza vaccination with modest impact on overall vaccination rate.