Genesis Health System - Genesis Health System Flu-Free Quad Cities

Overview

Flu-Free Quad Cities provides thousands of elementary school-age children in the Quad Cities area of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois with free seasonal influenza vaccinations at their schools. Each fall, about 9,400 elementary-age children in approximately 80 regional schools receive free seasonal flu protection. In those schools, average participation is 30 to 40 percent of students. Typically, a much lower percentage of children in this age group receive seasonal flu vaccinations through their primary care physician or clinics.

The program is sustained financially by the Genesis Health System Foundation, the Clinton County VNA Foundation, funding from county public health departments, grants, and the generosity of individuals, businesses, and organizations. Local minor league sports teams auction special game-worn jerseys to benefit Flu-Free Quad Cities. There is no charge for the vaccine or to administer the vaccinations. The vaccinations are administered by nurses from Genesis VNA & Hospice.

Impact

One measurement of impact was what Genesis experienced in Genesis Convenient Care offices in winter 2009-2010. There were 285 fewer patients with upper respiratory complaints to the three convenient care offices in February 2010 compared with February 2009, and 450 fewer patients in March 2010 compared with March 2009. Outcomes can be difficult to measure because the different school districts have varying policies on reporting student illness. Tracking the reasons for absenteeism in school systems continues to be a challenge in measuring outcomes. The program has grown rapidly from a 2007 pilot project of 400 vaccinations to 3,200 in 2008. The program now consistently reaches 9,000 or more students.

Challenges/success factors

When working with multiple school districts, there are multiple rules and policies. One of the first challenges was to come up with a consistent system for administration of the flu shots. We came up with one system we’ve standardized for the schools. Schools are given the option of whether or not to participate.

Future direction/sustainability

The vaccine costs about $12 per dose. When the cost of administering the vaccine is added, the cost per student nearly doubles. Genesis Health System has been able to secure business partners, donors, and grants to sustain the program. Parents are asked to support the program by paying for their child’s vaccination, or the vaccinations of others, but are not required to pay anything for vaccinations. We have experienced parents or groups of parents who have sponsored the vaccinations for entire classes.

Advice to others

Start with a pilot project of one school or several schools. Work closely with those pilot schools and their school nurses to measure outcomes.

Contact: Craig Cooper
Senior Media Relations Specialist
Telephone: 563-421-9263
E-mail: cooperc@genesishealth.com