Emergency department immunization of the elderly with pneumococcal and influenza vaccines.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the feasibility of immunizing unvaccinated elderly patients with influenza and pneumococcal vaccines in the emergency department.


METHODS
A convenience sample of elderly patients presenting to an urban university-affiliated ED.


METHODS
Elderly ED patients were asked about prior influenza and pneumococcal immunization. Nonimmunized patients were given information sheets, were informed of the changes for vaccination, and were asked if they desired immunization as part of their ED care. Those desiring immunization who lacked contraindications were immunized.


RESULTS
One hundred thirty-three patients were enrolled. Eighty-two percent had not been immunized with pneumococcal vaccine; 62% of these nonimmunized patients stated they desired pneumococcal vaccination, and 58% were immunized. Sixty-three percent of the 133 patients had not received current influenza vaccine; 54% of these nonimmunized patients stated they desired influenza vaccine, and 50% were immunized.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of elderly ED patients are not immunized adequately with influenza and pneumococcal vaccines as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most elderly patients will accept immunization with these vaccines as part of their ED care. These vaccines can be delivered effectively to elderly patients in the ED.
Rodriguez
R M
RM
Emergency Medicine Center, UCLA School of Medicine.
Baraff
L J
LJ
D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000276:immunology*; D014611:Vaccination
D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines