Feasibility of delivering influenza vaccine to household contacts of pediatric patients in a residents' continuity clinic

Background: Since 2004, influenza vaccine has been recommended for household contacts (HCs) of healthy infants and young children, who are at high risk for complications from influenza disease. We examined the feasibility of providing influenza vaccine to HCs of pediatric patients during the children's outpatient clinic visits. Methods: During influenza season 2006-07, influenza vaccine was offered at no cost to HCs of all patients aged <60 months who received primary care at a pediatric residents' continuity clinic at Children's Medical Center Dallas. The percentage of individuals receiving their first dose of influenza vaccine was calculated for all vaccinated adult HCs and also for a subset of vaccinated adult HCs for whom vaccine was recommended in a previous year, based on the pediatric patient's age. Results: Influenza vaccine was administered to 1,042 HCs of 611 pediatric patients. Fifty percent of all vaccinated adult HCs had no previous history of influenza vaccination. Eighty-five of the 218 (39%) vaccinated adult HCs for whom influenza vaccine was also recommended in a previous year received their first dose through our program. Conclusions: Delivery of influenza vaccine to HCs of pediatric patients can be integrated into the children's clinic visits and may increase vaccine uptake.