Why Is This Important?

Recommended immunizations for adults aged 65 years and older include a yearly immunization against influenza (flu) and a one-time immunization against pneumococcal disease. Most of the deaths and serious illnesses caused by influenza and pneumococcal disease occur in older adults and others at increased risk for complications of these diseases because of other risk factors or medical conditions. Barriers to adult immunization include not knowing immunizations are needed, misconceptions about vaccines, and lack of recommendations from health care providers.

Definition

Percentage of adults age 65+ who reported ever receiving a pneumococcal vaccination in their lifetime.

Data Sources

• Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, Center for Health Statistics, New Jersey Department of Health
  (http://www.nj.gov/health/chs/njbrfs/)
• Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  (https://www.cdc.gov/brfss/index.html)

How the Measure is Calculated

How Are We Doing?

In 2021, 64.2% of all New Jersey adults aged 65 and older reported having received the Pneumococcal vaccination in the past 12 months. Pneumococcal vaccination is lower among Hispanics (41.1%) compared to Whites (69.1%) and Blacks (51.7%).

What Is Being Done?

Since 1998, NJDOH has adopted regulations requiring nursing homes to offer pneumococcal and influenza immunizations to all residents, and for hospitals to offer them to seniors who have been admitted for treatment. Education and outreach methods have also been made throughout the state.

Health Program Information

NJDOH Vaccine Preventable Disease Program: [http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/]