J Am Med Dir Assoc

Abstract

BackgroundInstitutionalized adults are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality from influenza and pneumococcal infection. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination have been shown to be effective in reducing hospitalization and deaths due to pneumonia and influenza in this population.ObjectiveAssess trends in influenza vaccination coverage among U.S. nursing home residents from the 2005\u201306 through 2014\u201315 influenza seasons and trends in pneumococcal vaccination coverage from 2006\u20132014 among U.S. nursing home residents, by state and demographic characteristics.MethodsData were analyzed from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services\u2019 (CMS) Minimum Data Set (MDS). Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination status were assessed for all residents of CMS-certified nursing homes using data reported to the MDS by all certified facilities.ResultsInfluenza vaccination coverage increased from 71.4% in the 2005\u201306 influenza season to 75.7% in the 2014\u201315 influenza season and pneumococcal vaccination coverage increased from 67.4% in 2006 to 78.4% in 2014. Vaccination coverage varied by state, with influenza vaccination coverage ranging from 50.0% to 89.7% in the 2014\u201315 influenza season and pneumococcal vaccination coverage ranging from 55.0% to 89.7% in 2014. Non-Hispanic black and Hispanic residents had lower coverage compared with non-Hispanic white residents for both vaccines, and these disparities persisted over time.ConclusionInfluenza and pneumococcal vaccination among U.S. nursing home residents remains suboptimal. Nursing home staff should employ strategies such as provider reminders and standing orders to facilitate offering vaccination to all residents along with culturally-appropriate vaccine promotion to increase vaccination coverage among this vulnerable population.CC999999/Intramural CDC HHS/United States2018-08-01T00:00:00Z28623156PMC5751715vault:2577