1. How Public Health Centers in Suffolk County, NY Strove to Leave No Vaccine Behind Mary Beth Koslap-Petraco, MS, CPNP Brian L. Harper, MD, MPH Suffolk County Department of Health Services

2. Background Supply issues have affected influenza immunization delivery Providers vaccinated from September through November Many high-risk individuals were vaccinated Many went without vaccination –Vaccine unavailable

3. Background Influenza season generally runs from September to June in northern hemisphere Peak season for influenza illness is generally February –Many variations –December in one year –Second peak may appear in May

4. Background Focus had been on immunization during early fall –Late arriving vaccine went unused SCDHS developed and implemented a plan to utilize as much vaccine as possible –Vaccinate until vaccine runs out –Vaccinate until vaccine expires in June

7. Background SCDHS uses standing orders Nurses take proactive role Nurses must “buy in” for immunization program to be successful Every patients was potential recipient of influenza vaccine

9. Objectives Identify strategies to encourage health care providers to provide influenza immunizations during entire immunization season Identify methods to fully utilize influenza vaccine regardless of vaccine delivery time

11. Methods Data collected to determine number of doses of vaccine utilized on monthly basis Measure against total number of doses secured for division of Patient Care Services in SCDHS

13. Utilization of Influenza Vaccine 10/05-1/06

14. Distribution of Influenza Vaccine

15. Results Influenza immunizations are provided beyond usual fall immunization season Improved utilization of vaccine Less waste of vaccine

18. Conclusions Providing influenza vaccine well after the usually accepted immunization period results in less wasted vaccine and more individuals immunized Full utilization of doses encourages increased vaccine production in succeeding years Longer vaccination period promotes concept of year round program –Potential preparation in event of pandemic influenza