Quality Insights of Pennsylvania

A Focus on the Flu

Immunizations are noted as one of the most significant health interventions of the 20th century. August is National Immunization Awareness Month. The goal is to increase awareness about immunizations across the lifespan, from infants to the elderly. While many people are routinely immunized, there are still tens of thousands of deaths around the world that are caused by vaccine-preventable diseases. Following are some Web links to connect you to the most current information on Immunizations and resources to help educate your patients. This month, get prepared for Fall and the flu season ahead by reminding your patients about the importance of catching up on their flu and pneumococcal vaccinations.

Coming in September: Healthy Aging! Tips and resources to help your older patients stay healthy and feeling their best.


Resources for Providers

Web Links

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Influenza (flu) web section
  • Vaccines and Preventable Diseases: Influenza (Flu) Vaccination
  • CDC –Publications
  • CDC – Prevention and Control of Influenza and Pneumonia
  • CDC - H1N1 Update
  • Interim guidance for use of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine during novel influenza A (H1N1) outbreak
• Pandemic Flu.gov - H1N1 Flu Information
• World Health Organization - What is the new influenza A (H1N1)? Frequently Asked Questions
• National Institutes of Health
  • National Agency of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
  • What’s the Difference Between Seasonal Flu, Pandemic Flu, and Avian (Bird) Flu?
  • Research
• National Library of Medicine – Mediline Plus
• National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
• National Influenza Vaccine Summit
• Immunization Action Coalition
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services - For beneficiary-related information
• Mayo clinic Basic Information about Pneumonia for Your Patients
• WebMD

Materials for Providers

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Flu Materials for Adults - THE FLU GALLERY Free Flu Materials to Print – Posters and brochures
  • Trends in Influenza and Pneumonia Among Older Persons in the United States
• Medicare Preventative Services Quick Reference Information: Medicare Part B Immunization Billing
• Medicare Preventative Services – Adult Immunizations
  Note - The Medicare Learning Network (MLN) is the brand name for official CMS educational products and information for Medicare fee-for-service providers. For additional information, visit the Medicare Learning Network’s Web page at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNGenInfo on the CMS Web site.
• DHSS Division of Public Health Immunization Program - Delaware Flu Shot form
• Is it the Cold or the Flu, English and Spanish

• • Vaccinations for Adults - You’re NEVER too old to get immunized!
  • Influenza: Questions and Answers
  • Influenza: What You Should Know, English