National Annual Flu Vaccine performance declined from 69% in the 2025 Star Ratings to 66% in the 2026 Star Ratings, and CMS lowered the base-group cut points accordingly, with the 4-Star threshold decreasing from 71% to 68%. Because C03 is measured through the MA CAHPS survey, documentation in the EHR, pharmacy record, or immunization registry does not independently generate measure credit. Performance therefore depends not only on timely vaccination, but also on whether patients remember and report receiving the vaccine during the applicable recall period.
AAVBC’s Annual Flu Vaccine Stars Quick Reference Guide gives primary care clinicians and care teams a practical, evidence-aligned resource for improving C03 performance. The guide covers the measure specification and CAHPS survey item, 2026 cut points and Star scoring methodology, July 1 recall period, standing orders and pre-visit planning, risk-based outreach, immunization registry and pharmacy reconciliation, vaccination-status documentation, and CMS survey integrity requirements. Grounded in current CMS Star Ratings Technical Notes, MA and PDP CAHPS specifications, and ACIP and CDC influenza vaccination guidance, the guide helps care teams identify eligible patients, deliver vaccination at the right time, reconcile outside immunizations, and reinforce vaccine status so patients can accurately recall and report their care.
AAVBC’s Deep-Dive series offers a comprehensive, structured analysis of this quality and performance metric — moving far beyond quick-reference essentials. These guides provide an integrated review of measurement importance and impact, clinical integrations, technical details, challenges and barriers, strategies for team coordination and quality improvement as well as regulatory and financial considerations. The Deep-Dives combine evidence-informed clinical guidance with practical operational tools to support a deeper understanding of RAS inhibitor adherence and provide care teams with strategies to thrive within a value-based model.
National Annual Flu Vaccine performance declined from 69% in the 2025 Star Ratings to 66% in the 2026 Star Ratings, and CMS lowered the base-group cut points accordingly, with the 4-Star threshold decreasing from 71% to 68%. Because C03 is measured through the MA CAHPS survey, documentation in the EHR, pharmacy record, or immunization registry does not independently generate measure credit. Performance therefore depends not only on timely vaccination, but also on whether patients remember and report receiving the vaccine during the applicable recall period.
AAVBC’s Annual Flu Vaccine Stars Quick Reference Guide gives primary care clinicians and care teams a practical, evidence-aligned resource for improving C03 performance. The guide covers the measure specification and CAHPS survey item, 2026 cut points and Star scoring methodology, July 1 recall period, standing orders and pre-visit planning, risk-based outreach, immunization registry and pharmacy reconciliation, vaccination-status documentation, and CMS survey integrity requirements. Grounded in current CMS Star Ratings Technical Notes, MA and PDP CAHPS specifications, and ACIP and CDC influenza vaccination guidance, the guide helps care teams identify eligible patients, deliver vaccination at the right time, reconcile outside immunizations, and reinforce vaccine status so patients can accurately recall and report their care.
AAVBC’s Deep-Dive series offers a comprehensive, structured analysis of this quality and performance metric — moving far beyond quick-reference essentials. These guides provide an integrated review of measurement importance and impact, clinical integrations, technical details, challenges and barriers, strategies for team coordination and quality improvement as well as regulatory and financial considerations. The Deep-Dives combine evidence-informed clinical guidance with practical operational tools to support a deeper understanding of RAS inhibitor adherence and provide care teams with strategies to thrive within a value-based model.
