Because persons with pneumonia already have weakened lungs, it is important that they receive an influenza vaccination during the winter and fall flu season before they leave the hospital.

This measure reports how often pneumonia patients in the hospital during the flu season were given flu vaccine if needed, prior to leaving the hospital. A high score is better than a low score.

The chart below reflects the latest available data. In the 2005-2006 winter flu season there was a shortage of influenza vaccine. No measures were taken for that time period.

These data reflect care given to patients at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center from October through December 2006. The national and California data reflect care given to patients from January through December 2006.