Immunisation: flu vaccine for people with COPD
Indicator
The percentage of patients with COPD who have had influenza immunisation in the preceding 1 August to 31 March.
Indicator type
General practice indicator suitable for use in the Quality and Outcomes Framework.
This document does not represent formal NICE guidance. For a full list of NICE indicators, see our menu of indicators.
To find out how to use indicators and how we develop them, see our NICE indicator process guide.
Rationale
This indicator measures the percentage of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have been vaccinated against influenza in the preceding 8-month period (1 August to 31 March). The aim of vaccination is to prevent complications from influenza in people with COPD. Evidence shows that influenza vaccination in people with COPD reduces the risk for hospitalisation for pneumonia and death. The NICE guideline for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease states that annual vaccination against influenza should be offered to all people with COPD, as recommended by the Chief Medical Officer. The 8-month timeframe was chosen to allow practices enough time to achieve sufficient uptake during the seasonal influenza vaccination programme (usually September to February).
Source guidance
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. NICE guideline NG115 (2018), recommendation 1.2.86
Specification
Numerator: The number of patients in the denominator who have had influenza immunisation in the preceding 1 August to 31 March.
Denominator: The number of patients on the COPD register.
Calculation: Numerator divided by the denominator, multiplied by 100.
Exclusions: Patients with contraindication to the vaccine.
Minimum population: The indicator would be appropriate to assess performance at individual general practice level.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-6000-2