Combining Entertainment & Education Into an Age Appropriate Intervention Geared Toward Increasing Influenza Vaccination of Pediatric Patients in Underserved Communities

Each year, during the fall and winter, coinciding with the influenza season, the number of health care visits and the number of days missed from school increases due to febrile respiratory illnesses. The highest rates of influenza infections are present amongst school-age children. The vaccination against seasonal influenza remains the most important measure to prevent infection and to combat the overall spread of the virus. School-age children, in particular, adolescents, may not be aware of the need for influenza vaccination.

Interactive computerized educational programs have been developed and used in different pediatric settings in an attempt to increase children's understanding of their medical condition, and improve adherence to the treatment.

The investigators identified one of our satellite pediatric clinics, as being the perfect venue for an intervention that will attempt to increase influenza vaccination. The clinic is located in an underserved area. More than 9,000 children are seen annually in this clinic with about 20% of the patients age 8 and above. A pediatric pulmonary office, part of the pediatric clinic, serves a high number of patients, most of whom have poorly controlled asthma.

Currently, no focused, developmentally appropriate education programs regarding vaccination are used in our outpatient clinics.

The investigators propose implementing an influenza vaccination educational program in this pediatric satellite office that serves a population that has historical low rates of influenza vaccination.