Adopting an influenza vaccination reminder in the EHR helped boost the rate flu shots given later in the winter for pediatric populations, according to a study in Pediatrics.
Researchers implemented an influenza vaccination reminder in the EHR at four community-based pediatric clinics in New York City. The reminder pulled data from an immunization information system for patients between 6 months and 17 years old.
In the 2011-12 flu season, 8,481 unique children who were not up to date on their flu vaccinations had visits to the clinics. When the flu vaccine reminder was turned on, slightly more children who were not up to date on their flu vaccinations were vaccinated than when the reminder was turned off, at 76.2 percent and 73.8 percent, respectively.
The effect was more pronounced in the winter (67.9 percent vs. 62.2 percent), and were not significantly different in the fall (76.8 percent vs. 76.5 percent).
Additionally, the vaccine reminder increased documentation of why patients did not receive a flu shot, according to the study.
Researchers conclude that an influenza vaccination reminder linked to an immunization information system increased the rate of flu vaccine administration later in the winter when fewer vaccines are typically given.
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