The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a report on “critical gaps which exist between older Americans who receive potentially lifesaving preventive services and those who do not.” Clinical prevention services examined in the report include vaccinations that protect against influenza and pneumococcal disease (e.g., bloodstream infections, meningitis, and pneumonia), screenings for the early detection of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, diabetes, lipid disorders, and osteoporosis, and smoking cessation counseling. The report was published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in partnership with HHS’ Administration on Aging, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Enhancing Use of Clinical Preventive Services Among Older Adults: Closing the Gap is available at: http://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/Clinical_Preventive_Services_Closing_the_Gap_Report.pdf

http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2011/p0314_preventiveservices.html