1. Influenza Vaccination Strategies
Amy Groom, MPH
IHS Immunization Program Manager

2. Agenda Overview - Amy Groom
IHS Flu Coverage Data
Summary of resources and best practices
Navajo Area – Successful influenza vaccination strategies – Diana Hu
Nashville Area
Area perspective – Nichole Blackfox
Perspective from the field
Sandra Day – Poarch Creek
Debbie Roshon – MicMac

3. Mid-Season Estimates U.S. vs. IHS Flu Coverage Data
U.S. Estimates as of Nov. 2011*
IHS Estimates as of Dec. 5th, 2011**
IHS Estimates as of Jan 14th , 2012**
Overall (≥ 6 months)
36.3%
25.2%
29.9%
Children (6mos-17 yrs)
36.7%
25.8%
31.5%
Adults (≥ 18 yrs)
36.2%
24.9%
29.3%
 65+ years
62.3%
37.8%
43.5%
*Based on self –reported vaccine status. Full report available at:
**Based on patient medical record. Reports available at:

4. Flu Vaccine Coverage By IHS Area January 14th, 2012 All Ages (6 months +)
U.S. Estimate: 36.3%

5. National Resources Flu vaccine finder, educational materials
Immunization Action Coalition – sample standing orders, provider materials –
Effective Strategies to Promote Influenza Vaccine Uptake Among Culturally Diverse Populations - Joint AHIP/CDC/HHS recorded webinar.
Walgreens influenza voucher initiative

6. IHS Resources Available at www.ihs.gov/flu
Public Service Announcements
Wes Studi
California Rural Indian Health Board
IHS Director
Posters and Fact Sheets with AI/AN people
Flu Presentation for community members
Tool Kits
Tribal Head Start/Early Childhood Education programs
Community Vaccination Guide

7. Best Practices

8. Best Practices Increase access to vaccine
Flu Immunization protocols and standing orders
Walk in flu clinics/streamlined registration
Extended clinic hours, weekends/evenings
Clinics in the community
Schools, chapter houses, casinos, grocery stores
Hire additional staff/overtime authorization
Pharmacist immunizers
Mass vaccination clinics for emergency preparedness
Collaborations between IHS, Tribes, state/local health departments, schools
Vaccine promotion - start early!
Local radio, newspapers, tribal newsletters
Community education (PHNs, CHRs)

9. Best Practices cont. Review the data Utilize Reminder Recall
Influenza report in the RPMS Immunization Package
IHS Influenza Awareness System (IIAS) weekly reports
Influenza-like illness trends
Flu vaccine doses administered and coverage
Utilize Reminder Recall
- “Not Current” list in the RPMS Influenza Report

10. Next Steps
Our population is at high risk from flu - we must do better!
Review current flu vaccination opportunities
Standing orders?
Walk in opportunities?
Pharmacist immunizers?
Review vaccine coverage data THROUGHOUT the season
Reminder Recall strategies for those not vaccinated
Educate providers AND the community about the importance of flu vaccination
Influenza vaccination is a TEAM effort.