Implementation of Dialogue-Based Interventions to Address Parental Influenza Vaccine Hesitancy

Abstract

Influenza is described as a seasonal virus that presents as an infection ranging from mild illness to severe conditions requiring hospitalization. Approximately 12,000 deaths in 2016 were attributed to this virus. The flu vaccine has demonstrated efficacy in preventing hospitalizations and deaths secondary to the influenza virus. The CDC recommends that all individuals six months of age and older receive an annual flu vaccine. Healthy People 2020 established the target percentage of influenza vaccination at 70% for children between the ages of six months and seventeen years. Despite this recommendation, the flu vaccination is frequently denied or delayed. The focus of this project was to increase pediatric flu vaccination rates through by implementing a standardized process which included an educational intervention and dialogue for individuals between the ages of six months and seventeen years. At the time of data analysis, the site was unable to provide previous flu season vaccination statistic. For this reason, an official comparison was not performed. The flu vaccination rate for the project period was 76%. This was higher than national flu vaccinations rates for a similar time frame as provided by data from the CDC.