Date of Award
Summer 2023
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
Faculty Chair
Dr. Timothy Blake Booth, DNP, RN, CNL
Preceptor
Dr. Ramez Sulaiman
Mentor
Dr. Ivion Davis
Abstract
Background: Research consistently shows that influenza vaccines prevent medical appointments, treatments, and disabilities. In the United States (U.S.), 25-49 million individuals contracted influenza from October 2022 through January 2023. However, despite a greater community consciousness regarding viral contagions and the improved availability of vaccinations through primary care settings, ambulatory clinics, and local pharmacies, adults in the U.S. continue to miss the national influenza vaccination goals of 70%.
Purpose: This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aimed to boost influenza immunization rates and comprehension of vaccination benefits among patients in a primary care setting during the influenza season. The DNP student planned, implemented, analyzed, and disseminated an evidence-based project to improve the immunization rate of patients 19 and older in a primary care setting in the northeastern U.S.
Project Method/Design: The quality improvement project involved sending emails to remind adult patients registered at the clinic to get an influenza vaccine. Additionally, the patients were sent a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information sheet.
Results: During the nine-week intervention period, 212 adult patients received email reminders. Data analysis revealed an 11% increase in vaccination rates (from 5% to 11%). Analysis from the post-intervention interval displayed a significant increase of 120% compared to the prior year.
Conclusion: Implementing an evidence-based CDC email reminder action plan and provider engagement increased the primary care clinic’s influenza vaccination rates.
Keywords: influenza/flu, primary prevention, immunization, vaccine hesitancy, barriers, influenza disparities
Recommended Citation
Lowe, Janet, "Improving Influenza Vaccination Rates in a Primary Care Clinic: A Quality Improvement Crusade" (2023). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 98.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/etds_nursing/98