in a Pneumococcal Vaccination Recall Program for adults aged 70 years and older, a simple QI activity to enhance patient care through a free patient recall initiative, which will commence at the end of January.
This program offers a streamlined solution to increase the uptake of the National Immunisation Program (NIP) funded Pneumococcal vaccination in older adults.
A strengthened focus on adult vaccination is needed, as older adults are more than five times more likely to be hospitalised with pneumococcal pneumonia compared to younger adults. Despite this increased risk, vaccination coverage remains suboptimal. This program is aimed at recalling patients who are at greater risk of pneumococcal pneumonia due to their age and other medical risk factors, to help reduce their risk of hospitalisation.
Key details about the program:
Eligibility: Patients aged 70 years and over who are eligible for a free NIP-funded Pneumococcal vaccination.
Recall system: Practices will have access to an SMS-based recall system to remind eligible patients about the vaccination.
Cost coverage: All costs associated with this recall program and SMS bundles are covered by Pfizer Australia, the manufacturer of the 13vPCV (Prevenar 13) vaccine.
This patient recall program is designed to help improve the uptake of the NIP-funded Pneumococcal vaccination and ensure better protection for those most at risk of severe disease. We encourage your practice to participate in this important initiative aimed at increasing vaccination rates and reducing hospitalisation rates due to pneumococcal pneumonia.
