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 occur among those aged 65 or older. Invasive pneumococcal infection (e.g., sepsis, meningitis) causes an estimated 40,000 cases and over 4,000 deaths annually in the U.S. Most deaths 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:
(download pdf reader)
Adult Self-Assessment for Immunizations (Word) (Customizable) - An assessment completed by an adult to determine if immunizations are up to date. Covers influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, Tetanus-diphtheria, Hepatitis, Measles-Mumps-Rubella, Varicella, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HIB), Meningococcal, Herpes Zoster and HPV 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.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Adult Immunization Resources for Providers
Medicare Learning Network:
The MLN Preventive Services Educational Products Web Page
- provides descriptions and ordering information for MLN preventive services educational products, including Medicare-covered adult immunizations, and resources for health care professionals and their staff.
Quick Reference Information: Medicare Part B Immunization Billing
-This double-sided chart provides coverage and coding information on Medicare-covered immunizations.
Quick Reference Information: Medicare Preventive Services
- Double-sided chart provides coverage and coding information on Medicare-covered preventive services, including immunizations.
Adult Immunizations brochure - Provides information on risk factors and coverage for the season influenza, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B vaccines.
Immunizers Guide (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
National Immunization Program(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Patient and Provider Education Materials (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Flu.gov - What to do about the flu! (Website managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
Prevent Influenza(National Influenza Vaccine Summit)
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
Immunization Action Coalition
Oklahoma City-County Health Department
Oklahoma County Immunization CoalitionTulsa Health Department
Tulsa Area Immunization Coalition