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You are Here: Home Page > Influenza Updates > Influenza Sentinel Provider Surveillance  

Influenza Sentinel Provider Surveillance

Now You Can Help With Influenza Sentinel Provider Surveillance in Only a Few Minutes a Week!

What is an influenza sentinel provider?

An influenza sentinel provider conducts surveillance for influenza-like illness (ILI) in collaboration with the state health department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data reported by sentinel providers are combined with other influenza surveillance data to provide a national picture of influenza virus and ILI activity in the U.S. Over 2,500 providers in all 50 states and three major cities were enrolled in this network during the 2006-07 influenza season.

What data do sentinel providers collect? How and to whom are they reported?

During influenza season (October through mid-May), sentinel providers report the total number of patient visits each week and number of patient visits for influenza-like illness by age group (0-4 years, 5-24 years, 25-64 years, ≥65 years). These data are transmitted once a week to a central data repository at CDC via the Internet or fax. Most sentinels report that it takes less than 30 minutes a week to compile and report this data. In addition, sentinel providers can submit up to six patient specimens per season for virus isolation free of charge.

Who can be an influenza sentinel provider?

Physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and nurse practitioners of any specialty (e.g., family practice, pediatrics, internal medicine) in any type of practice (e.g., private practice, public health clinic, urgent care center, student health center) are eligible to be influenza sentinels.

Why volunteer?

Influenza viruses are constantly evolving and cause substantial morbidity and mortality (approximately 36,000 deaths nationally) almost every winter. The data sentinel providers collect are critical for monitoring the impact of influenza and, when combined with other influenza surveillance data, can be used to guide prevention and control activities, vaccine strain selection, and patient care. Sentinel providers receive feedback on the data submitted, summaries of regional and national influenza data, and a free subscription to CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal. The most important consideration is that they provide critical public health surveillance assistance.

Further Information

For further information see The New York State Sentinel Provider Network, 2007-2008.

For more information on Influenza Sentinel Provider Surveillance, please contact Christine Waters, Program Coordinator at the New York State Department of Health, at (518) 473-4439, clw06@health.state.ny.us or, in New York City, Beth Nivin, NYCDOHMH program coordinator, at 212/442-9050, bnivin@health.nyc.gov .