THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EXPANDING PATIENT AWARENESS IN INCREASING INFLUENZA VACCINATION UPTAKE IN A LARGE RELATIVELY DEPRIVED SEMI-URBAN UK POPULATION

Introduction and Objective; Seasonal epidemics are estimated to cause, worldwide, 3-5 million cases of severe illness and up to half a million deaths each year. Trivalent seasonal influenza vaccinations are of major importance, especially to at-risk population groups. There is an ever-increasing body of literature to support the extension of winter vaccinations. This audit is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a large relatively deprived semi-urban UK practice’s inoculation regime. Method; We analyzed mid-late winter vaccination statuses of patients deemed “at-risk” by UK Department of Health. The results yielded were below the standard of 85%. Immediate and long-term changes were implemented leading to a re­audit in 24 days. The intervention was dedicated towards patient education: patients were telephoned and sent letters highlighting the importance of late winter vaccinations and risk factors. Results and Conclusions; Pre-intervention, there was an uptake of 81% (790). Post-intervention, 25% of the remaining at-risk population (39) was reached, convinced to attend and given vaccinations within 24 days, showing a rapid response. The target of 85% was achieved. This was controlled against the previous four years. 95% of at-risk patients contacted admitted to not receiving vaccinations due to ignorance of seasonal schedules. For immunizations, unlike many other disease indicators, there is a much heavier weighting in reaching these targets essential for herd immunity. There is a gap in knowledge between the latest evidence regarding late winter seasonal immunizations and patient awareness. Communicating this fact has been shown here to have a positive affect towards herd immunity.