Influenza Immunization Coverage Among Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities Certified by CMS, 2005–2006: The Newest MDS Quality Indicator
Background
In October 2005, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) required that long-term care (LTC) facilities certified by CMS offer each resident annual influenza vaccination. Subsequently, vaccination status was added to resident assessments collected beginning in the influenza season, 2005–2006. This is the first year immunization coverage can be reported based on a census of LTC residents.
Objectives
Report influenza immunization coverage for LTC residents by state, resident, and facility characteristics. Identify uses of the data and areas in need of improvement.
Methods
Analysis of CMS' Minimum Data Set of 1,851,676 residents in nursing homes from October 1 through December 31 but who could have been discharged between January 1 and March 31 merged with data for 14,493 non–hospital-based facilities from the Online Survey and Certification Assessment Reporting System.
Results
Overall, 83% of residents were offered the vaccine and 72% had received the vaccine. Almost 10% refused to receive the vaccine, 14% were not offered the vaccine, 1% were ineligible, and 3% were missing vaccination status. Vaccination coverage varied significantly among states (range: 49% to 87%). Fewer African Americans and Hispanics than whites were offered the vaccine (79% and 79% versus 84%, respectively) and received it (65% and 66% versus 73%, respectively); more African Americans refused the vaccine (12%) than residents of other races and/or ethnicities. Residents of Medicaid-certified-only facilities had higher levels of vaccination than residents of other facilities (82% versus ≤73%).
Conclusion
MDS immunization data can be used as surveillance to work with states to improve coverage. Further research to examine racial disparities in vaccination among LTC residents is needed.
Keywords: Vaccination, influenza, long-term care, racial disparity, MDS
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Required Disclaimer: The analyses upon which this publication is based were performed under Intra-agency agreement Number IA07–52 between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Health and Human Services. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the US Government. The authors assume full responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the ideas presented. Ideas and contributions to the authors concerning experience in engaging with issues presented are welcomed.
PII: S1525-8610(09)00327-2
doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2009.09.011
Published by Elsevier Inc.
