Influenza Campaign for Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Veterans

The population with Spinal Cord Injury has a higher rate of morbidity and mortality resulting from influenza complications compared to the general population; yet, many continue to decline flu vaccination. At the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio this performance improvement project was implemented with spinal cord injuries and disorders veterans from the outpatient clinic. An education program was developed which addressed the most commonly identified barriers. As a result, there was an increase acceptance of flu vaccination after participation in the program.
Introduction
Receiving the influenza vaccination is considered best practice, has been proven to be safe, and effective. Furthermore, Spinal Cord Injury is acknowledged as a high risk condition and accordingly, The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends this population receives the annual influenza vaccination.1 Moreover, persons with spinal cord injuries have an increased risk for breathing impairment, decreased ability to cough, and difficulty clearing secretions leading to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality from influenza.2
This performance improvement project targeted the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI &D) veterans from the outpatient clinic at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center during the 2012-2013 influenza season.