Call to Action on Pneumococcal Disease: Review of Vaccination Evidence and Outcomes of Webcast Programs

In 2015, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices issued updated recommendations for the use of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) to immunize adults aged 19 to 64 years with risk factors and all adults aged 65 years or older. Despite these recommendations, rates of vaccination among adults remain low. Federal and state initiatives have been launched to encourage health care providers to incorporate vaccination screening and recommendations in practice. Several resources are available to improve vaccination rates, including implementing electronic medical records; engaging non-physician staff in assessing vaccination history and administering immunizations; adopting standing order protocols; and implementing strong recommendations to patients regarding needed immunizations. However, even in the face of compelling evidence-based research, implementing changes in practice is challenging. The American Osteopathic Association implemented a 2-part Web program called the Call to Action on Pneumococcal Disease. Although some changes in attitudes and intent to change were demonstrated by this initiative, there were no statistically significant increases in self-reported actual adoption of standing order protocols or increases in adult pneumococcal immunization. Nonetheless, some lessons were learned, and these results support the need for ongoing efforts in this area of medicine.