Pneumococcal vaccine rates in persons age 65 years and older: A U.S. Air Force medical facility record review

Abstract

The pneumococcal vaccine is underused according to self-reported surveys and the full scope of the problem remains undetermined. Objective: Primary aims were to determine whether the pneumococcal vaccination rates varied between clinics for patients 65 years of age and older and to compare the results with national survey reports and claims data. Methods: A total of 368 medical records were examined in this prevalence survey with 268 records from the Internal Medicine Clinic and 100 records from the Family Practice Clinic at Wilford Hall U.S. Air Force Medical Center. Results: Documented vaccination rates were 92.9% and 69.0% for Internal Medicine Clinic and Family Practice Clinic, respectively. This difference in vaccination rates was statistically significant (χ2 = 35.462; df = 1; p < 0.001), and both clinics exceeded rates found in surveys and claims data. Conclusions: Clinics differ in their vaccination rates and self-reported national survey data may not accurately reflect the prevalence of pneumococcal vaccination among military retirees.