Influenza Vaccine

998 Words4 Pages
Flu Vaccine for the Geriatric Population: Health Education Cora L. Sweeney Oakland University The objective of this Health Education Deliverable is to assess and observe a clinical setting in which geriatric residents who reside in congregated living who are ages 65 yrs. and older, attend a flu clinic. Flu clinics for this particular population are being held in both assisted living and memory care facilities. Residents of these communities are looking not only to seek administration of the flu shot, but also to attain information about this season’s strain of the flu as well as this year’s flu vaccine. Residents come to the flu clinic of their own free will or are assisted by caregivers. Reimbursement for the flu shot can either be billed…show more content…
According to the (CDC) (2013), it is explained that the “flu” is a contagious disease that spreads around the United States every winter, typically the months September through February. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, and can be spread by coughing, sneezing, and close contact. The CDC defines symptoms of the flu as: fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache or runny/ stuffy nose. The geriatric population is considered a high risk group. Traditionally, the geriatric population has existing aliments therefore, if they were to contact the flu it could exacerbate their existing health conditions. According to The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) (2013), a particular health condition that the flu could easily exacerbate in someone who is 65 yrs or older and increase their vulnerability to pneumonia. This patient population is labeled as especially high risk, based on burden of disease. The flu vaccine provides the best protection from the flu and its complications. The flu vaccine also assists in preventing the spreading of the flu from person to…show more content…
The nurse health educator posted copies of my teaching tool for the people to take at each clinic. The tool was well received by all because it was easy to understand and made sense. Each flu clinic had its own voice of concern. Most residents who resided in the assisted living community were able to sign for themselves, and had no real questions in regards to the flu vaccine in its entirety however, this patient population was concerned about the cost. The concern that was voiced;” Does Medicare still pay for the flu shot?” Information was provided on how Medicare was billed and most residents were satisfied with the answer. This patient population was prepared to sign the consent and fill out the insurance portion, get their shot and be on their way. The memory impaired living facility consisted of caregivers bringing the residents to the clinic with the appropriate forms filled out by the residents medical power of attorney. The paid care givers concerns were voiced. The wanted to know what side effects should the care givers expect, if any. The nurse health educator informed the paid care givers that there may be soreness, redness, or swelling where the vaccine is administered, low grade fever, aches, headache, itching and or

More about Influenza Vaccine

Open Document