Evaluating Late-Season Reminder-Recall for Influenza Vaccine Uptake Among Older Adults in Louisiana

The 2019-2020 and 2023-2024 flu seasons had unusually active influenza activity late in the season. As vaccines can be a cost-effective way of avoiding severe illness with the flu resulting in hospitalizations or mortality, the Louisiana Department of Health mailed reminder-recall postcards to adults aged 65 to 70 years to raise awareness about respiratory vaccines, including those for flu. In the 2 weeks following the distribution of reminder-recall mailers (n = 47 587 in February 2020 and n = 42 364 in January 2024), an additional 1017 and 1093 flu shots were administered in 2020 and 2024, respectively. These doses comprised 1% of all flu shots administered in their respective seasons and 2% of people who received the mailers. Together, the results suggest potentially limited value of flu reminder-recall mailers for this population without further research on timing, frequency, and cost-effectiveness of the same.