b'3.7 Adults 65+ Who Have a Had Flu Shot Adults Age 65+ Who Have HadIncrease the proportion of vulnerable persons who receive an a Flu Shot within the past yearannual influenza vaccine 100 %Why is this important? Influenza is a disease prone to epidemics, rapidly spreading80Percent of Adults 65+through a community, especially during late fall and early spring. Though childrencontract the virus more frequently, it is the elderly who have the most difficult time 60recuperating. Thus if persons 65+ are in good health they should receive the trivalent influenza vaccine annually as a preventive measure against contracting the flu.40Where we stand now: The proportion of older adults receiving an annual flu shot appears to be remaining steady in Cheshire County. Our numbers are slightly lower 20than all of New Hampshire and are also well below the target goal of 90%.43Cheshire Countys goal: At least 90% of eligible adults will receive an annual flu shot.44 0 2005 2006 2007 2008Cheshire CountyNew HampshireUnited StatesTarget3.8 Adults 65+ Who Have Had Pneumonia VaccineIncrease the proportion of elderly persons who receive thepneumonia vaccine Adults Age 65+ Who Have Ever Why is this important? The highly effective pneumococcal vaccine administeredHad a Pneumonia Vaccination100 %once to those over 65 years of ageguards the body against invasion by bacteria that cause pneumonia, meningitis, and related fever.45The vaccine is highly recommended80for the elderly, given their susceptibility to infection and increased likelihood of mortality.Percent of Adults 65+Increased vaccines have a direct and timely effect on the health of the communitys most vulnerable members.46 60Where we stand now: The proportion of older adults receiving the pneumonia40vaccine appears to be decreasing slightly in Cheshire County.Cheshire Countys goal: At least 90% of eligible adults will receive the20pneumonia vaccine.4702005 2006 2007 2008Cheshire CountyNew HampshireUnited StatesTarget36 Engaging Our Community In Health88222_CMC2.indd 38 2/1/10 12:27 PM'