Use of influenza vaccine in nursing homes

The organization and outcome of influenza immunization programs were studied in 67 randomly or systematically selected nursing homes (8354 residents) in six states during the autumn of 1982 and/or 1983. In each home, influenza vaccine was usually offered to all residents on a voluntary basis, independent of their age, level of required nursing care, or underlying medical conditions. However, the proportion of residents who were vaccinated ranged from 8 to 98% (mean, 62% overall), with significantly lower rates in homes that also required consent from relatives (usually by return mail) than in homes that did not (P less than .00001; median, 57 versus 90%, respectively). These observations suggest that distribution of educational materials about the risks and benefits of influenza vaccine and systematic follow-up of relatives who fail to return the consent form may be useful strategies to further increase the number of nursing home residents who are immunized.