Guidance for Vaccination, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Influenza in the ED

A systematic review supports emergency department vaccination if resources allow.

Sponsoring Organizations: American Academy of Emergency Medicine Clinical Guidelines Committee

Target Audience: Emergency clinicians

Background

Worldwide, seasonal influenza is estimated to affect 5% to 10% of adults and 20% to 30% of children. Given the frontline nature of emergency medicine practice, these guidelines offer recommendations for emergency department (ED) vaccination, diagnostic testing, and treatment, based on an up-to-date systematic literature review.

Key Points

Provide information about influenza vaccine and its efficacy (50%–80%) to all ED patients older than 6 months.
If resources allow, offer influenza vaccination to unvaccinated patients while in the ED.
Test for influenza only if the results will change management.
Rapid ant…

Reviewing Author

Ali S. Raja, MD, MBA, MPH, FACEP

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine (Board Member); American College of Healthcare Executives – Massachusetts (Board Member)