Immunizations / Vaccines

An area of commonality between all the hospital, physician and home care outcomes is immunizations.  Two types of immunizations / vaccines are the focus:

1. Influenza
2. Pneumococcal

Immunizations are an integral part of avoiding hospitalization.  Nichol KL, Wuorenma J, and von Stemberg (as cited by the Center for Disease Control, August 6, 2010) report a ‘substantial reduction in hospitalization and deaths among persons aged 65 and greater with influenza immunization’.

Furthermore, the Georgia Department of Public Health reports “Among elderly people living outside of nursing homes or similar chronic-care facilities, influenza vaccine is 30-70% effective in preventing hospitalization for pneumonia and influenza”. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports that “pneumococcal vaccine is very good at preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death (April 1, 2011).