Gained opportunities in adult vaccination. Performing a combined strategy to overcome barriers

Abstract

The National Immunization Program in Argentina recom- mends tetanus and diphtheria vaccine [Td] and hepatitis B for all healthy adults and influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for special populations. Despite the fact that these vaccines are free and without requirement for prescription, rates of vaccination remain low in adults.Improving vaccina- tion coverage among adults remains a major challenge. We performed a prospective cross-sectional study to assess a combined vaccination strat- egy in order to enhance compliance in a single institution. It was based on institutional requirement of Td vaccine for all elective surgery plus med- ical counseling provided by a trained physician at the Vaccination Room and immediate access to vaccination. As a result of this strategy, 2946 extra doses of vaccines were given. These doses represent an increase of 312% from the doses estimated without our intervention. This simple strategy may be easily replicated in other centers.