Influenza vaccination: a comparison of two outreach strategies

Despite longstanding recommendations for annual influenza vaccination of all people age 65 and older, only 20% or less are regularly immunized. This paper compares two methods of immunization outreach to the elderly population. In 1985 and 1986 vaccine was offered to patients who attended one family practice for any reason during the months of October and November. In 1985 if patients had not received vaccine by October 31 an informational letter recommending immunization was also mailed. In 1986 nonimmunized patients were telephoned by the family practice nurse and informed of the rationale, availability, and advisability of receiving the vaccine. The immunization rate improved in patients attending the practice over the two study years. Additional outreach efforts showed a high degree of failure or refusal to receive immunization.