Statewide Pandemic Influenza Vaccination Reminders for Children with Chronic Conditions.

• Autores: Kevin J. Dombkowski, Anne E. Cowan, Rachel C. Potter, Shiming Dong, Maureen Kolasa, Sarah J. Clark
• Localización: American journal of public health, ISSN 0090-0036, Vol. 104, Nº. 1, 2014, págs. 39-44
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • We evaluated the use of a statewide immunization information system (IIS) to target influenza vaccine reminders to high-risk children during a pandemic. Methods. We used Michigan's IIS to identify high-risk children (i.e., those with ‡ 1 chronic condition) aged 6 months to 18 years with no record of pH1N1 vaccination among children currently or previously enrolled in Medicaid (n = 202 133). Reminders were mailed on December 7, 2009. We retrospectively assessed children's eligibility for evaluation and compared influenza vaccination rates across 3 groups on the basis of their high-risk and reminder status. Results. Of the children sent reminders, 53 516 were ineligible. Of the remaining 148 617 children, vaccination rates were higher among the 142 383 high-risk children receiving reminders than among the 6234 high-risk children with undeliverable reminders and the 142 383 control group children without chronic conditions who were not sent reminders. Conclusions. Midseason reminders to parents of unvaccinated high-risk children with current or past Medicaid enrollment were associated with increased pH1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccination rates. Future initiatives should consider strategies to expand targeting of high-risk groups and improve IIS reporting during pandemic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]