Increasing Pediatric Influenza Vaccination Rates In A Community Health Clinic

Abstract

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness leading to numerous hospitalizations and deaths annually. Among the pediatric population, children under the age of five years have the most significant impact from influenza, showing greater rates of morbidity and mortality than any other age group. Despite the burden, influenza vaccination rates remain low. The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to implement an educational program targeting parents and providers addressing common barriers at Wahiawa Community Health. Through these interventions, the goal of this project was to increase influenza vaccination rates among children between the ages of six months to four years using educational pamphlets and visual/auditory teaching tools. Educational interventions addressed provider and patient barriers that increased knowledge about the burden of pediatric influenza, local and national statistics, and safety and efficacy of influenza vaccinations, which was presented among the entire staff. As a result, Wahiawa Community Health increased their influenza vaccination rates to 60.59% during the 2018-19 year, which was a substantial increase from 16.17% during the 2017-18 year.