Implementation of an Influenza Immunization Program in an Urban Veteran Affairs Emergency Department

Background: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend an annual influenza immunization for all people ages 6 months or older. According to the Veteran Health Administration (VHA) the influenza virus contributes to 5 , 000 veteran deaths , 13 , 000 hospitalizations , and $48 million in healthcare costs annually. It is estimated that influenza immunization can avert one fourth of influenza related deaths. Objective: A quality improvement project was implemented in an urban Veteran Affairs (VA) emergency department (ED) to increase veteran influenza immunization rates and improve influenza immunization HEDIS measures using nursing triage. Method: Nursing staff were provided in-service about screening veterans visiting the VA ED for influenza immunization based on eligibility criteria. Eligible patients either received an influenza immunization , refused the immunization , or stated they received the immunization elsewhere. Results: Of the VA ED patients seen 45% were eligible to be screened for influenza immunization , 8.8% of the eligible patients were screened , and 53% of the screened patients were given an influenza immunization. The HEDIS scores for the 2017 4th quarter showed that influenza immunization screening for 18-64 years old increased 9% over 2016 and screening for those 65 years and older increased 2% over 2016. Implications: An ED can be an appropriate place to offer influenza immunization. Offering a preventative measure in an acute care setting can increase influenza immunization compliance. The increased vaccination of a population group like veterans not only benefits and protects the group but the public as well