Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of influenza infection can result in hospitalization or death. Certain groups, including older people, young children, and people with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for serious influenza complications. The best way to prevent influenza is by getting vaccinated each year.

During the 2021-2022 influenza season, 86.3.4% (95% CI: 73.0-99.6) of Connecticut adults age 65 and older received a dose of influenza vaccine. The 2021-2022 U.S. rate was 73.9% (95% CI: 71.3-74.7), the Healthy CT 2020 goal is 70.1%, and the Healthy People 2020 goal is 90%.

NOTE: Due to BRFSS weighting methodology changes beginning in 2011, comparisons between data collected in 2011 and later and that from 2010 and earlier should be made with caution. Differences between data from 2011 forward and earlier years may be due to methodological changes, rather than changes in opinion or behavior.

Confidence intervals can be seen by hovering over each data point.

These data were reviewed during June, 2020.

DPH Immunization Partners

Influenza-specific Initiatives: Connecticut Immunization Coalition, National Influenza Vaccination Disparities Partnership, National Adult Influenza Immunization Summit, National Adult Immunization Coordinator's Partnership

Government: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CT Department of Social Services/Community Health Network (CHN), CT Department of Children and Families, CT Local Health Departments/Districts, Tribal Governments, Health Departments from other states, Emergency Response and Public Health Preparedness

Organizations and Coalitions: Connecticut Vaccine Advisory Council (CVAC), Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Foundation for Children, CT American Lung Association, American Immunization Registry Association (AIRA), Every Child By Two, Association of Immunization Managers (AIM), American Cancer Society

Business and Industry: Pharmaceutical companies that produce vaccines, Immunization Information System (IIS) vendors, electronic health record (EHR) vendors, insurance companies

Health Care: Private and public providers, community health centers, school based health centers, hospitals

Education: Daycares, schools and colleges, Board of Nursing, State Department of Education, Yale School of Public Health

Community Services: CT Department of Social Services, Community Health Network (CHN), Local WIC Offices, tribal services, services for immigrants and refugees, homeless shelters and programs, domestic violence shelters and programs, Hispanic Health Council, Maternal Infant Outreach Program - City of Hartford Health and Human Services (MIOP) , Family Strides, Head Start, Healthy Start, Nurturing Families, Connections, Mom’s Project, Positive Parenting, Project Mother Care, Reach out and Read, Birth to Three, libraries, churches, Community Health Center Family Wellness Center/New Britain, Weston Women’s League, Human Resources Agency of New Britain (HRA), Family and Children’s Agency (FCA) of Norwalk, Spanish Speaking Center, United Way

The Public: Parents and the general public

Easy access to influenza vaccine with no out-of-pocket costs, increased awareness by those 65 years and older of importance of an annual flu vaccination.

Task Force on Community Prevention Services. Recommendations regarding interventions to improve vaccine coverage in children, adolescents, and adults. Am J Prev Med 2000:18(1S):92-6.

For current year priority strategies and actions, click here (right click to open link).

SHIP Strategies:

Assure costs of vaccines/administration for all ages are covered by all insurers.

Identify other methods for reaching out to the public (e.g. social media).

Maintain annual education of providers and the public about flu vaccine.

Maintain and expand access to Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended vaccines for children (HPV, hepatitis A, rotavirus, influenza).

Develop new and diverse venues for influenza vaccine administration and culturally appropriate outreach to ensure access to all population groups.

Maintain and drill plans.

Maintain and enhance Connecticut immunization registry; include across lifespan; implement comprehensive reminder/recall systems.

Use new and existing data systems to measure vaccine coverage among populations to examine disparities and target vaccine strategies.

Develop new systems for measuring vaccine coverage among all age groups.

The CT Immunization Coalition (formerly the Connecticut Influenza and Pneumococcal Coalition), in collaboration with the American Lung Association, is dedicated to the promotion of ACIP recommended adult vaccinations to promote illness prevention and reduce disease complications. The coalition has a primary focus on influenza vaccination throughout the community. Specific activities include providing updates on vaccine supply/distribution, sharing best practices, coordinating vaccine delivery, developing educational materials, coordinating publicity, coordinating efforts to vaccinate in workplace settings, monitoring legislation related to adult vaccination, and seeking funding for vaccination efforts.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health's Adult Immunization Coordinator collaborates with the National Adult Immunization Summit and the National Immunization Disparities Partnership to increase influenza immunization rates in underserved populations through a partnership with local pharmacies.