Improving influenza immunisation coverage in 2000-2001: a baseline survey, review of the evidence and sharing of best practice

Commun Dis Public Health. 2001 Sep;4(3):183-7.

Abstract

In May 2000 a new government target of 70% uptake in people aged 65 and over was introduced for influenza immunisation, with a minimum of 60% uptake in 2000-2001. A postal survey of influenza immunisation coverage in over 75 year olds during 1999-2000 was undertaken in our district's general practices. The evidence on interventions which improve coverage was compared to local practice. General Practitioners and their Primary Care Groups/Trust received feedback on their performance, and best practice was shared. The findings were used to inform the immunisation campaign for 2000-01. The survey response rate was 74%. The district coverage was 50%, ranging from 7% to 97% between practices. Practices achieving high coverage rates combined good patient identification with personalised patient invitation and well-organised clinics. The work that went on in the district achieved an overall influenza immunisation coverage of 62% in 2000-01.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Benchmarking*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Family Practice / standards*
  • Health Plan Implementation
  • Health Services Needs and Demand / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Immunization Programs / statistics & numerical data*
  • Influenza Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Population Surveillance
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians' / statistics & numerical data
  • Primary Health Care / standards
  • Process Assessment, Health Care
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines