Adult Immunizations Program

Influenza and pneumonia are among the leading causes of death and disability. Although influenza and pneumonia vaccines are available, many North Carolinians are not vaccinated and therefore are not protected against these diseases and their complications. More than 2,523 North Carolinians died of influenza and pneumonia in 1996. Over 89 percent of those who died were 65 or older. Many more had to be hospitalized due to complications or more serious illness arising from influenza. Yet, among people age 65 or older, only 52 percent reported receiving influenza vaccine in 1995. Fewer than 30 percent of all adults over 65 received pneumonia vaccination.

To increase the number of adult immunizations, Chronic Disease Prevention, Medical Review of North Carolina and a coalition of 40 volunteer organizations have sponsored statewide senior vaccination events. These efforts resulted in the administration of over 55,000 immunizations in 1996 and 100,000 in 1997.

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