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.

Definition

Percentage of adults aged 65+ who report receiving an influenza vaccination in the past 12 months. The survey question for this measure is "During the past 12 months, have you had either a seasonal flu shot or a flu vaccine that was sprayed into your nose?"

Data Sources

• Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, Center for Health Statistics, New Jersey Department of Health
  (http://www.nj.gov/health/chs/njbrfs/)
• Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  (https://www.cdc.gov/brfss/index.html)

How the Measure is Calculated

How Are We Doing?

In 2021, 67.1% of all New Jersey adults aged 65 and older reported having received the influenza vaccination in the past 12 months. Flu vaccination is lower among Blacks (49.3%) compared to Whites (70.8%).

Available Services

Find a Flu Shot: [https://nj.gov/health/cd/topics/flu.shtml#6]

Health Program Information

NJDOH Communicable Disease Service: [http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/] New Jersey Healthcare Quality Strategies Inc. (The New Jersey Quality Improvement organization (NJ-QIO)) funded by ARC. Visit [http://hqsi.org/] for more information.