Prevention - Immunizations (Pneumococcal Pneumonia/Influenza)

Pneumonia and influenza are the fifth leading cause of death in older adults in the United States. Through GMCF’s commitment to preventive care and Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, our goal to decrease this mortality rate can be realized.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that 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. Also, 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.

GMCF is working with practices to utilize their Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems to address both pneumonia and influenza prevention. This is accomplished through collaborative efforts to develop action plans and workflow processes to efficiently capture, track, and generate data in order to ensure appropriate preventive care management in regards to pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations.

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.

Resources and Publications

Georgia DCH "Arm Yourself Against the Flu" campaign
Faces of Influenza
CDC Recommends Influenza Vaccination (video)
National Influenza Vaccine Summit newsletter
Immunization Action Coalition (IAC)
Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)
National Coalition for Adult Immunization (NCAI)
Prevent Influenza Now - National Influenza Vaccine Summit
Adult Immunizations
"Why Flu Vaccination Matters: Personal Stories from Families Affected by Flu"
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Medicare Preventive Services Quick Reference Information: Medicare Part B Immunization Billing
Quick Reference Information: Medicare Preventive Services
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Adult Immunizations Overview
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccination Pocket Guide