Improving Pneumococcal Immunization Rates in New Jersey through Collaboration

The overall goal for this initiative is to increase the number of adults in New Jersey (NJ) age 65 or older who receive pneumococcal vaccine, especially among Black, Hispanic and Asian residents, thereby improving health and well-being, while reducing healthcare costs through an reductions in avoidable hospitalization and emergency department visits. The key objectives of the program are to: 1) Increase adult pneumococcal immunizations by approximately 5% by implementing practice protocols to identify, address and overcome the physician and patient barriers contributing to low immunization rates; 2) Develop and expand activities across vaccine provider and healthcare settings (health departments, hospitals, specialists, pharmacists/pharmacy, etc.) to foster communication and coordination of adult pneumococcal immunization by creating a patient-centered medical community; 3) Identify and implement interventions targeted to addressing and overcoming financial barriers related to adult pneumococcal vaccinations; 4) Disseminate learnings from the local (state) level to broader audiences through publications, presentations and the development of an on-line tool kit containing materials, resources and information to increase pneumococcal immunization rates.