CCO Infectious Disease Podcast

Creative Strategies for Meningococcal Vaccine Uptake

Episode Summary

In general, adolescents tend to have poor immunization rates compared with their younger pediatric counterparts. Because of this, many fall behind on their immunization schedules, especially with meningococcal vaccines, and we must play catch-up. Listen to some strategies that could help improve meningococcal vaccination rates.

Episode Notes

In this episode, Nneka Holder, MD, MPH, shares various strategies to improve meningococcal vaccine uptake in adolescent patients, including: 

• Use of school vaccine mandates beyond entry requirements
• Promote more frequent visits by incorporating immunization platforms and using text or email reminders to bring patients back to the office
• Schedule follow-up visits before patients leave the office to increase retention
• Increase access and convenience by:
  • Implementing quick, immunization-only visits
  • Promoting use of alternative vaccinations sites (eg, school gyms, local pharmacies) for meningococcal booster doses
• Address vaccine hesitancy, ensuring patients and parents have a voice in how their healthcare is managed
• Continue to bring up the importance of meningococcal vaccines at every visit even after vaccine refusal

Faculty: 

Nneka Holder, MD, MPH
Associate Professor
Department of Pediatrics
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Washington, DC

Link to full program: 
https://bit.ly/3T0GLG2