November 10, 2006

Flu vaccine for patients offered

The MGH is preparing for the approaching flu season by offering patients the option of receiving the flu vaccine while hospitalized. MGH clinicians now can order the flu vaccine through the Provider Order Entry (POE) system as a primary preventative measure and a precaution for patients who are unable to obtain a flu vaccine in other settings.

A pop-up screen will appear in POE for the provider — such as the physician, resident, nurse practitioner or physician assistant — to write an order for a patient age 50 or older. The provider has the option of accepting, declining or deferring the order for up to five days. On the sixth day, a decision to accept or decline the order must be made. When the vaccine is ordered, a nurse will screen the patient for eligibility. This flu vaccine program will be offered until March 31.

Providers also will see a combined flu and pneumovax screen in POE for patients who are 65 years and older who are eligible to receive both vaccines. Eligible patients are those 65 years and older who have no documentation of receiving the pneumovax since turning 65 and who have no documentation of receiving the flu vaccine this season. The provider has the option of ordering, declining or deferring one or both vaccines.

For more information, contact Janet Madigan, MS, RN, at (617) 726-3109.