Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination coverage levels among persons aged > or = 65 years--United States, 1973-1993

Abstract

Recommendations to provide annual influenza vaccination and one dose of pneumococcal vaccine to all persons aged > or = 65 years (1,2) are intended to reduce the high morbidity and mortality associated with influenza and pneumococcal disease. One of the national health objectives for the year 2000 is to increase influenza and pneumococcal vaccination levels to > or = 60% for persons at high risk for influenza and pneumococcal disease, including those aged > or = 65 years (objective 20.11) (3). This report summarizes 1) estimates of influenza vaccination coverage levels among persons aged > or = 65 years during 1973-1985 and pneumococcal vaccination coverage levels for 1984-1985 based on data from the United States Immunization Survey (USIS) and 2) influenza and pneumococcal vaccination coverage levels among persons aged > or = 65 years and for selected population subgroups during 1989-1993 based on data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).