An Evidence-based Project to Improve Influenza Immunization Uptake

• Influenza has the potential to cause great concern on college campuses.
• An evidence-based initiative to increase influenza vaccination uptake.
• The use of evidence-based strategies can increase influenza vaccination among college students.
• The utilization of various promotional strategies can help college health professionals target health messages to increase student awareness.

Influenza, a severe acute respiratory illness, infects between 5% and 20% of the United States population annually. Immunization is recognized as the best protection against influenza. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended annual immunization (> 6 months); however, < 42% of the population and < 20% of college students receive an annual vaccination. An evidence-based awareness project was implemented in a college health setting to increase the number of influenza vaccinations administered. The number of students vaccinated at the college increased by 226%. The use of evidence-based strategies by college health practitioners can target health messages to increase student awareness.