National Influenza Vaccination Week- A Reminder to Stay Protected, Despite Flu Activity Trending Below Average
By Annmarie Czubay, BSW, Provider Relations Specialist
The 2020-2021 flu season is underway. The first full week of December is dedicated to raising flu and flu vaccine awareness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) weekly Fluview surveillance report, seasonal flu activity in the US continues to be lower than usual for this time of year, despite record-breaking projections. For vaccines this season, the CDC reports that manufacturers expect to supply 194-198 million doses in total, up from the 175 million doses distributed in the previous season. At present, no significant delays have been reported in national supply. The CDC recommends a distribution strategy that initially limits the size of individual orders to allow as many providers as possible to begin vaccinating early in the season. As supplies become more available, distributors and manufacturers are better enabled to match demand.
After receiving vaccine supplies, the work begins in provider clinics to offer and administer vaccines to patients. In comparison to other states, North Carolina influenza vaccination coverage has historically been high. For the 2019-2020 season, North Carolina’s influenza vaccination coverage rate was 55.8% as compared to the national average of 51.8%. However, both of these rates are markedly lower than the Healthy People 2020 coverage target of 70%. As such, providers are tasked with making a strong recommendation for flu vaccination to their patients.
Other infection prevention strategies should be considered in healthcare settings. Patient information, such as signs and handouts, can be used and should be visual and easily followed. Patient information topics could include information about flu vaccination, hand-hygiene, and symptom etiquette. Providing triage space, where available, for symptomatic patients can help prevent the spread of flu and other viruses. Remember that Telehealth visits are billable and recommended for mild symptoms and when it is medically appropriate.
Another key component to containing flu spread involves healthcare workers. Vaccination rates among this group are much higher at 80.6% in the most recent season, with physicians leading the charge at a rate of 98%, and nurses a close second at 92%. In order to limit the spread of influenza, regardless of individual vaccination status, site specific recommendations for staff with symptoms of influenza should be followed.
Specific to Medicaid providers, the NC Immunization Program/Vaccines for Children (NCIP/VFC) influenza vaccine – all quadrivalent – is available at no charge for children 6 months through 18 years of age who are eligible for the VFC program. For the 2020-2021 season, providers will be allowed to use the two-way borrowing policy with seasonal flu vaccine in order to prevent missed opportunities for both VFC-eligible and fully insured children. Borrowed vaccines need to be replaced with the same product type.
For more information on the NC guidelines for 2020-2021 Influenza Vaccine and Reimbursement in Medicaid and Health Choice patients, visit the NCDHHS page or contact Emtiro Health’s Provider Relations Specialist, Annmarie Czubay at annmarieczubay@emtirohealth.org.