Assessing the ability of an immunization information system to prevent overimmunization of pediatric influenza vaccines.

Context: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) publishes annual recommendations for the prevention and control of seasonal influenza. Between 2011 and 2013, the ACIP recommended 2 approaches that providers could use to determine how many influenza vaccine doses children aged 6 months through 8 years should receive. One did not consider doses received prior to the 2010-2011 season; the other considered complete influenza immunization history, such as that available in immunization information system (IIS).

Influenza vaccination of Michigan children by provider type, 2010-2011.

Background: Influenza vaccination for all children aged 6 months to 18 years has been recommended since 2008 to prevent flu-related morbidity and mortality. However, 2010-2011 influenza vaccine coverage estimates show under-vaccination in children of all ages. We examined predictors of influenza vaccination in Michigan during the 2010-2011 influenza season.

Seasonal influenza and Tdap vaccination policies in Michigan hospitals: progress yet substantial capacity to improve.

We determined the prevalence of mandatory influenza and tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination policies for staff in Michigan hospitals and factors affecting policy implementation. Forty-one percent of responders reported a mandatory influenza vaccination policy, and 11% reported a mandatory Tdap vaccination policy. The support of hospital leadership is critical to policy implementation and overcoming barriers.

Development of the Norfolk quality of life tool for assessing patients with neuroendocrine tumors.

Objective: To develop a disease-specific questionnaire for identifying domains having the greatest impact on the quality of life (QOL) of patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETS).

Methods: Patient responses to clinical interviews provided an 80-item initial pool for the development of the QOL-NET. The Delphi panel reviewed the items for content validity; the patient focus group reviewed the items for content/readability.