Increasing influenza and pneumococcal vaccination and tuberculosis screening among residents of Colorado long-term care facilities

Persons residing in long-term care facilities are especially vulnerable to potentially preventable morbidity and mortality caused by influenza S. pneu moniae, and tuberculosis. This project's objective was to increase the rate s of pneumococcal vaccination, tuberculosis screening, and annual influenza vaccination. intervention consisted of staff training videos, sample polic ies, and educational materials for residents and their families. At baselin e during the 1995-1996 flu season, 84% of Colorado long-term care residents were vaccinated for influenza; 16% of residents had ever received pneumoco ccal vaccination; and 59% had been screened for tuberculosis. At remeasurem ent during 1997 to 1998, influenza vaccination rates were up to 89%, p = 0. 006. The percentage of residents who had ever received pneumococcal vaccina tion increased to 48% at remeasurement, p < 0.001. Tuberculosis screening r ates increased to 83%, p < 0.001. Following an educational intervention tar geting both residents and staff residents were significantly more likely to receive all three preventive services.