Important Facts for Immunization - Influenza, Adults
Definition
Percentage of adults aged 65+ who report receiving an influenza vaccination in the past 12 months.Numerator
Number of survey respondents aged 65+ who report receiving an influenza vaccination in the past 12 months.Denominator
Number of survey respondents aged 65+.Data Interpretation Issues
Starting in 2011, BRFSS protocol requires that the NJBRFS incorporate a fixed quota of interviews from cell phone respondents along with a new weighting methodology called iterative proportional fitting or "raking". The new weighting methodology incorporates additional demographic information (such as education, race, and marital status) in the weighting process. These methodological changes were implemented to account for the underrepresentation of certain demographic groups in the land line sample (which resulted in part from the increasing number of U.S. households without land line phones). Comparisons between 2011 and prior years should therefore be made with caution. (More details about these changes can be found at [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6122a3.htm].)Why Is This Important?
Recommended immunizations for adults aged 65 years and older include a yearly immunization against influenza (flu) and a one-time immunization against pneumococcal disease. Most of the deaths and serious illnesses caused by influenza and pneumococcal disease occur in older adults and others at increased risk for complications of these diseases because of other risk factors or medical conditions. Barriers to adult immunization include not knowing immunizations are needed, misconceptions about vaccines, and lack of recommendations from health care providers.Healthy People Objective: Increase the percentage of children and adults who are vaccinated annually against seasonal influenza: Noninstitutionalized adults aged 65 years and older
U.S. Target: 90 percentState Target: 67.4 percent