Improving influenza vaccination rates in a pediatric asthma management program by utilization of an electronic medical record

An electronic medical record was implemented between 2000 and 2001, and a function of the electronic medical record was utilized as a tool to facilitate improving influenza vaccination rates among moderate to severe asthmatics in the pediatric Population in 2002 and 2003. This objective was attempted in order to increase influenza vaccine compliance in the pediatric population. Influenza vaccination levels in this select population were increased 80% in 2002 to 2003 over baseline 2001 levels. Correspondingly, pediatric asthma admissions declined 50% in 2002 to 2003 from a plateau level between 1999 and 2001. All of these results were statistically significant to 95% confidence levels.