Immunization - Influenza Vaccination, Adults Age 65+
Summary Indicator Report Data View Options
Immunization - Influenza Vaccination by County, Adults Age 65+, New Mexico, 2013-2017
Immunization - Influenza Vaccination: Adults Age 65+, by U.S. States, 2017-2018
Why Is This Important?
Recommended immunizations for adults aged 65 years and older include a yearly immunization against influenza (flu) and a one-time immunization against pneumococcal disease. Most of the deaths and serious illnesses caused by influenza and pneumococcal disease occur in older adults and others at increased risk for complications of these diseases because of other risk factors or medical conditions. Barriers to adult immunization include not knowing immunizations are needed, misconceptions about vaccines, and lack of recommendations from health care providers.
Definition
The estimated percentage of New Mexico adults age 65 and older with a current influenza immunization as reported by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The state-based BRFSS is an ongoing, landline and cellular telephone survey which collects information on health conditions and risk behaviors from randomly selected adults aged 18 years and older in the U.S. population. BRFSS included survey questions asking whether the respondent had received a flu vaccination in the past 12 months, and if so, in which month and year. Responses to the flu vaccination status questions were not verified by medical records. Data were weighted to adjust for effects of sample design and to represent the population distribution of adults by sex, age group, and area of residence. See also CDC's web page https://www.cdc.gov/flu/fluvaxview/coverage-1718estimates.htm for detailed methodology notes.
Data Source
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), accessed through FluVaxView Interactive(https://www.cdc.gov/flu/fluvaxview/)
How the Measure is Calculated
| Numerator: | The number of survey respondents age 65 and older with a current influenza immunization. |
| Denominator: | The total number of survey respondents age 65 and older, excluding missing, "Don't Know" and "Refused" responses. |
Evidence-based Practices
Annual immunization for influenza is recommended for all adults, especially for those 65 years of age and older, or those in other high-risk groups. Immunity sets in about two weeks after vaccination, and the flu vaccine provides protection that lasts throughout the entire flu season. Adults in New Mexico can get their flu shots from their primary care provider, at special flu clinics held across the state, or at many commercial pharmacies. Providers can learn more about evidence-based immunization strategies at the CDC's [http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/index.htm Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Resources for Health Professionals] webpage.