Sponsored Insight
As the first publicly available platform in the US for sharing comprehensive adult immunization claims data, Vaccine Track could transform how the country addresses trends in immunization to limit disease that could otherwise be prevented with timely vaccination.
Data analytics play an increasingly important role in nationwide immunization programs. Unfortunately, transparent and actionable information for routine adult CDC-recommended vaccinations is limited and may not be up to date. The ability to gather and analyze timely, accurate data is key to healthcare delivery, enabling medical professionals and policy experts to make data-driven health decisions.
Vaccine Track helps identify gaps in immunization through timely data
GSK and IQVIA launched Vaccine Track earlier this year to strengthen data transparency and publicly share adult vaccination trends based on claims data. While claims data have some limitations, they can uncover directional trends in uptake as they reflect vaccine administration. The goal of the platform is to offer public health decision-makers actionable information on vaccination trends that can be used to improve vaccination rates across the country, particularly in areas and among populations where routine adult immunization has sharply declined or has historically lagged because of health inequities.
Vaccine Track compiles data about routine adult (age 19+) vaccinations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This information is sourced from medical claims data for vaccinations administered in physicians’ offices, and from longitudinal prescription data from retail and mail pharmacies, as well as long-term care facilities. IQVIA captures claims from 82% of AMA physicians and 92% coverage across retail pharmacies.
Through data mapping, Vaccine Track provides insights on vaccination trends based on state, age, race, and gender. Public health decision makers can use this information to forge targeted strategies that close the gap in vaccination rates in specific geographies or populations. All data is anonymized to preserve patient privacy.
Recent trends suggest slight improvements in vaccination but there is more to be done
The Covid-19 pandemic created significant disruptions in routine preventative healthcare, as thousands of Americans delayed medical care for chronic conditions, missed preventive cancer screenings and skipped recommended immunizations. Statewide, from January-June 2022, 34 states were still showing claims reductions for recommended adult vaccinations (excluding flu) compared to 2019 levels.
Data from Vaccine Track revealed continued declines in recommended adult vaccinations in the US through 2021; however, the most recent national trends for average monthly vaccination claims for adults show improvements in the first half of 2022 compared to 2019. On average, claims for the first half of 2022 are 3% lower than the first half of 2019, compared to 26% lower for the same period in 2021.
While the steady recovery in immunization claims is encouraging, there continue to be gaps in immunization claims among minority populations. Through data transparency and potential partnerships with federal, state, and local governments, Vaccine Track can play a pivotal role to address these challenges and make a positive impact.
Progress in addressing barriers to immunization and creating healthier communities
A growing body of evidence shows that cost is one of the most impactful and preventable barriers to vaccine uptake. Several studies have found that higher copays are associated with lower vaccination rates among vulnerable older and low-income adults.
In positive news, provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will remove out-of-pocket (OOP) costs for vaccines for adults enrolled in Medicare Part D — providing almost 50 million older Americans with free access to all CDC-recommended vaccines. States will also be incentivized to implement the same coverage for adults in traditional Medicaid. This federal legislation will serve as a springboard for improved access to routine immunization for seniors and other adults, resulting in 9 out of 10 Americans having access to recommended vaccines with no costs.
What’s Next? Empowering leaders and communities to take action
Immunization is a cornerstone of preventive healthcare, underpinned by robust government recommendations. Yet every year, inequities in vaccine coverage put millions of Americans, including a large proportion of older adults, at risk of becoming sick or dying from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Healthcare professionals should continue to recommend vaccination and to increase educational efforts focused on vaccine recommendations, as research shows that a strong recommendation from a healthcare professional can motivate people to get vaccinated.
Vaccine Track is an accelerator to get ahead of disease but addressing these gaps will require support across the entire healthcare continuum — public health officials, pharmacists, pharmaceutical companies, and more — as well as collaboration to educate on the value of vaccination and prioritization of access.
GSK is committed to these efforts and working closely with healthcare professionals, medical associations, and public health officials to ensure a healthier future for all communities.
To learn more about Vaccine Track, visit https://www.vaccinetrack.com.