The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia announced on May 20 a program called “Close Your Eyes, We’ll Immunize” that aims to increase influenza vaccination rates among children undergoing sedation or anesthesia for other procedures. The initiative, started in 2023, provides flu vaccines during perioperative care and is designed to help families overcome barriers such as limited time, needle phobia, and inconsistent access to routine preventive healthcare.
The program matters because it reaches children who may not otherwise receive annual vaccinations due to these obstacles. By integrating immunization into existing medical encounters, the hospital hopes to reduce discomfort and anxiety associated with shots while improving overall protection against influenza.
According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, families are informed about the program before their child’s procedure. On the day of surgery or sedation, staff revisit the opportunity for vaccination and assess eligibility. If families agree, the vaccine is administered while the child is sedated. Dr. Carol Pasquariello said that enthusiasm from a multidisciplinary team was key: “The most important early resource was the enthusiasm and commitment of a multidisciplinary team united around improving patient care.”
In its second season (2025-2026), more than 2,000 doses were given through this approach. Approximately one-third of participating families reported their child would not have otherwise received an influenza vaccine due to various reasons including needle phobia or limited access during flu season. When parents declined participation, about half had already vaccinated their child elsewhere; others cited safety concerns or preference against vaccination during procedures.
Financial considerations required coordination with billing specialists to ensure costs did not fall on families. Executive leadership provided safeguards where necessary so no family would face unexpected charges for receiving a vaccine through this method.
Looking ahead, hospital leaders plan to expand the initiative by bundling care for neurodiverse patients who face additional barriers and by considering additional vaccines such as RSV and COVID-19 in similar settings. Staff engagement has been strong as well; many perioperative team members described contributing to preventive care as meaningful and professionally rewarding.
