Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1455714
28 Executive Briefing SPONSORED BY Defining the Problem According to BCBS transactional data, an estimated 9 million doses of certain childhood vaccines may have been missed in 2020. 1 The CDC's public sector vaccine ordering data showed a 14% drop from 2020 to 2021 compared to 2019. 2 Interventions to Help Increase Vaccinations Try these strategies to help get recommended childhood and adolescent vaccinations back on track. Reinforce the importance of recommended vaccinations The reduction in face-to-face office visits limits the opportunities for providers to discuss and deliver recommended vaccines. 3-5 Providers can reinforce the importance of well visits and recommended vaccinations and communicate the extra steps being taken to see children safely in office. 6,7 Additionally, providers can conduct a vaccination assessment and counseling during a telemedicine visit and schedule the patient for a brief, vaccination-only encounter at an appropriate time and location. 3 Implement safety strategies Parents may fear COVID-19 exposure during preventive care visits. 8 Providers can implement safety strategies and clearly communicate plans for office visits. 5,7 Inform patients about free or low-cost vaccination programs For parents and patients who are unsure about access to and coverage for vaccines, providers can inform patients about free or low-cost vaccination programs (such as Vaccines for Children), local health centers or state health departments that may offer vaccines with fees charged on a sliding scale, and mobile or community clinics that offer free or reduced- cost vaccines. 9 Educate patients about vaccines Parents and patients may be unsure or misinformed about the safety and efficacy of recommended vaccines. 9-11 Providers can educate patients about vaccines using the CDC's Vaccinate With Confidence framework to help strengthen vaccine confidence. 9,12 Identify and notify appropriate patients in need of a routinely recommended or catch-up vaccination Providers can use reminder/recall or other vaccination assessment tools to identify and notify appropriate patients who are due or overdue for a vaccination. 3 Additionally, providers can remind parents about programs, such as Vaccines for Children, that may cover the cost of vaccination for qualified families who are uninsured or underinsured. 9,13 Adolescent and Childhood Vaccination Recovery Actor portrayal. Actor portrayal. BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield; CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.