Maximizing influenza immunization in Edmonton: a collaborative model.

In 1991 the Edmonton Board of Health (EBH) entered into a partnership with seven senior citizen recreation centres to improve the efficiency of influenza immunization delivery by public health nurses in Edmonton. This initiative was driven by an annual increase in demand for flu vaccine coupled with diminishing health unit resources and a desire to collaborate with key community groups. A pilot project established that a cooperative approach could be more efficient than the previous health centre appointment model. In October 1991, 13,633 individuals were immunized with the assistance of 202 volunteer seniors who contributed 1,700 hours of their time. Unit labour costs incurred by the EBH were reduced by 40%. This model of delivery resulted in earlier completion of the flu immunization program and forged strong community alliances between the Edmonton Board of Health and the staff and volunteers of the seniors' recreational centres.