Tony Ogburn, MD¹, Eve Espey, MD, MPH², and Valeria Contreras, MD¹. (1) Department of OB/Gyn, University of New Mexico, MSC 10 5580, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, 505-272-6383, jogburn@salud.unm.edu, (2) Department of OB-GYN - 4ACC, University of New Mexico, 2211 Lomas Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131

Background: An Adult Immunization Schedule has been developed and approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The schedule calls for routine influenza vaccine administration in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy during flu season. The Maternal Child Health (MCH) Committee of the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center perceived several barriers to high rates of influenza immunization in our Women’s Health Clinic. The objective of this study was to determine whether changes in procedures for influenza immunization increased the rates of immunization in pregnancy. Methods: In October, 2003 the director of the MCH committee met with Women’s Health Clinic staff. Changes designed to reduce barriers to immunization were discussed and implemented by the end of October. These changes included education of nurses and staff regarding the advisability of influenza vaccine, availability of the vaccine in the clinic (as opposed to referral to a primary care provider or immunization clinic), and the ability to order the vaccine directly on the Obstetric flow sheet. A chart review was performed to assess the impact of these changes. 200 charts of patients that delivered during the 2002 flu season (prior to the changes) and 200 charts from 2003 were reviewed to compare immunization rates. Results: Preliminary analysis indicates increased immunization in 2003. Informal discussions with providers and nursing staff confirm the value of the education sessions and the easy access to influenza vaccine. Conclusion: Simple, inexpensive system changes can improve immunization rates for influenza vaccine in pregnant women.

Learning Objectives: