Epidemics of influenza are responsible of an average of approximately 36,000 deaths per year in the U.S., of which more than 90 percent occure among those aged 65 or older. Invasive pneumococcol infection (e.g., sepsis, meningitis) causes an estimated 40,000 cases and over 4,000 deaths annually in the U.S. Most deathes due to pneumococcal disease occur in persons aged 65 and older.
As the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Oklahoma, OFMQ's efforts to increase immunization rates in the physician office setting include developing office protocols to remind and encourage adults to receive routine vaccinations, targeting outreach efforts to patients with the greatest risk, and sharing information about the importance of routine immunizations with patients.
Immunization Resources and Links:
Order from OFMQ - A variety of tools are available to download and order at no cost.
Downloadable Resources: (download pdf reader)
Adult Self-Assessment for Immunizations(PDF) - A two-page assessment completed by an adult to determine if immunizations are up to date. Covers influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, Tetanus-diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles-Mumps-Rubella, Varicella, Meningococcal and Haemophilus influenza type b vaccinations.
Adult Influenza Immunization Flow Chart(PDF) - This flow chart assesses the need for influenza vaccinations. Provider-directed.
Adult Pneumonia Immunization Flow Chart(PDF) - This flow chart assesses the need for pneumonia vaccinations. Provider-directed.
Links:
MedQIC - Medicare Quality Improvement resources
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
Immunization Action Coalition
Tulsa Area Immunization Coalition
Oklahoma County Immunization Coalition
Contact Phillip W. Smith, Quality Improvement Specialist
405-840-2891 x 206
E-mail