Programmatic challenges in obtaining and confirming the pneumococcal vaccination status of cochlear implant recipients.
BACKGROUND
Bacterial meningitis represents a substantial concern for individuals with cochlear implants (CIs).


METHODS
Chart review and direct patient and family correspondence to ascertain vaccination status.


METHODS
Information dissemination via brochure and electronic media, ongoing reminders of the importance of vaccination when confirmation of vaccination was not received.


RESULTS
Marked improvement in vaccination rates ranging from 49% to 99% across different patient populations. Importantly, many patients received their vaccinations only after follow-up reminders.


CONCLUSIONS
Ensuring optimal vaccination of all CI recipients against high-risk pathogens is a significantly challenging task. Maximizing vaccination rates in CI users will require an ongoing, active effort of information dissemination, documentation of compliance, and well-designed behavioral systems to streamline the pragmatic challenges in vaccination delivery.
Carpenter
Ryan M
RM
The Listening Center at Johns Hopkins, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Limb
Charles J
CJ
Francis
Howard W
HW
Gottschalk
Barbara
B
Niparko
John K
JK
D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003054:Cochlear Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D016920:Meningitis, Bacterial / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011008:Pneumococcal Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines; D014611:Vaccination
D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines