Each year, thousands of people in the United States die from the flu, and many more are hospitalized. The flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related visits to the doctor each year. Discuss preventive measures with patients and help prevent getting or spreading the flu.
The flu vaccine is included as a survey question in the annual Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) evaluation, which examines how satisfied members are with their health plans and prescription drug services. Responses are collected from February through May each year.
Survey Question: “Have you had a flu shot since July 1, 2025?” is one of the questions on the annual CAHPS survey.
Measure adherence is determined by member response via the CAHPS Health Plan Survey.
- Denominator = The number of members with a “Flu Vaccinations for Adults Ages 18–64” who responded “Yes” or “No” to the question “Have you had either a flu shot or flu spray in the nose since July 1, 2025?” on the CAHPS Health Plan Survey.
- Numerator = The number of members in the denominator who responded “Yes” to the question “Have you had either a flu shot or flu spray in the nose since July 1, 2025?” on the CAHPS Health Plan Survey.
MEASURE DESCRIPTION
The percentage of patients 65 years of age and older who received a flu vaccination between July 1 of the measurement year and the date when the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers Systems (CAHPS) survey was completed.
HOW TO IMPROVE CAHPS SCORES
- Identify an Immunization Champion to lead and monitor flu vaccination efforts at the office.
- Institute a Standing Order Program (SOP) to allow non-physician clinical staff to assess eligibility for vaccination and vaccinate patients, and to educate staff about the SOP.
- Turn on reminders/prompts for the flu vaccine if on electronic medical records (EMR). Review vaccine status in EMR.
- Flag the charts of all patients needing a flu vaccine with a brightly colored sheet if not on EMR.
- Encourage staff vaccination (can also be used to show patients the importance of vaccination).
- Provide members with a list of pharmacy locations if you do not offer the flu vaccine, or visit the NYCHealthMap to help members find providers near them.
- Address any hesitations the member may have about receiving the flu vaccine. (Examples: Flu vaccines do not cause flu. Flu vaccines aren’t safe.)
- Educate patients that the seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Each season requires a different vaccine.
See CDC flu recommendations and educational resources on the CDC website.