Influenza and Pneumococcal Immunizations

Pneumonia and influenza are the fifth leading cause of death in older adults in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, on average, 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu each season and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, with 36,000 of those admitted dying from the flu. Also invasive pneumococcal disease is greater than 50 per 100,000 in the 65 and older population, with more than half of the deaths caused by this disease occurring in this age group.

Medicare covers the cost of both the influenza and pneumococcal immunizations for the Medicare beneficiary. Pneumococcal vaccine at 65 generally provides coverage for remainder of life, with some high-risk individuals requiring a booster. Medicare will pay for high-risk booster vaccination if 5 years have passed since the last vaccination. There are separate payment rates for the cost of the vaccine and the actual administration of the vaccine.

In FMQAI’s continued efforts to support Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and care management processes, we are collaborating with Florida Primary Care Physicians who use a CCHIT certified EHR. FMQAI will assist physicians to set targets, establish protocols, utilize reminders, report data, and analyze results to improve influenza and pneumococcal screening rates.