A Quality Improvement Initiative to Transform Seasonal Immunization Processes Using Learning from the Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic

• Published in: Pediatric quality & safety 2024-01, Vol.9 (1), p.e716-e716
• Main Authors: Robinette, Eric D, Nelly, Pamela M, Engler, Laurie J, Bigham, Michael T
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2472-0054; 2472-0054
• DOI: 10.1097/pq9.0000000000000716

Surge demands for annual influenza vaccines challenge healthcare systems. Mass immunizations differ from the traditional care model. The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic challenged current care models with amplified demand and infection risks while challenging the organization to create new and improve existing processes. Using the Model for Improvement, the team set out to (1) safely meet a surge in vaccination demand and (2) adopt pandemic-driven innovations into routine immunization practice. This free-standing pediatric system delivered 87,000 COVID-19 vaccines (~1.3% state total). It administered over 50% of COVID-19 vaccines using new mass immunization processes, including 37,000 adult vaccines before pediatric authorization. In the 2021-2022 influenza season, it used the new or improved immunization processes to deliver 22% of influenza vaccines. Pandemic-driven adaptation for the COVID-19 vaccine substantially increased the efficiency of influenza vaccination processes but did not result in a clear increase in influenza vaccine administration rates.