203 - Synergizing Shots and Smiles: Influenza Vaccines Via Medical Dental Integration

Purpose: Influenza is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years old. Dental visits create an additional opportunity for vaccination. The aim of this project is to assess the reach and effectiveness of a medical dental integration (MDI) intervention for influenza vaccines in patients ages 18- months to 5 years old. In this p</span>ilot, we offer same-day influenza vaccination to patients presenting for dental visits via MDI.  

Methods: The project is being performed at one dental clinic within the Denver Health system, a large, federally qualified healthcare center. Data collection began 9/28/23 and will continue throughout influenza vaccine season. The reach is defined as the number of patients eligible for influenza vaccine at the time of their dental visit, and effectiveness, defined as the proportion of eligible patients who were vaccinated at their visit.  

Results: 640 eligible patients have been identified thus far since 09/28/2023. Of these patients, 26% (N=167) of them received same-day influenza vaccine. Demographics of eligible patients include varying races, ethnicities, and languages. Of the eligible patients that received the vaccine, 75% identified as Hispanic or Latino and 53% of patients are non-English speaking. 

Conclusion: Administering influenza vaccines in pediatric patients is feasible and families across differing demographics are receptive to receiving vaccinations during dental visits. 


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