KEYWORDS:
registry data
ACIP
assessment
BACKGROUND:
Immunization registries contain a wealth of data that can be mined for valuable public health information. Despite the fact that most registries lack perfect and complete data, they can successfully support immunization projects. This requires appropriate data cleaning, solid statistical methods, and the ability to visualize and communicate results.
OBJECTIVE(S):
Examine how registry data are used and visualized to support core immunization program goals, track the impact of changes to the vaccine schedule and vaccine shortages, and uncover barriers to immunizations.
METHOD(S):
Oregon targets many immunization services based on registry data (ALERT), and promotes registry participation as a Core Public Health Function. The ALERT and VFC staff use graphs and other data visualization tools to relay information to immunization providers and public health officials.
RESULT(S):
ALERT data are used to produce AFIX assessments, recalls, identify barriers, measure interventions, support disease surveillance, reduce school exclusions, improve rates for managed care plans (HEDIS) and for Medicaid (GPRA). ALERT data are used to track and graph the impact of changes in the ACIP schedule in Oregon for Hep B, Polio, Hep A, Varicella, and PCV 7 as well as the impact of vaccine shortages.
CONCLUSIONS(S):
Using registry data improves its accuracy and completeness. Registry data can be a powerful tool to influence policy and make positive changes in immunization practice. This requires a clear understanding of registry data sets, the ability to think creatively around them, and knowledge of data visualization tools.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Participants will learn how registry data can support core immunization program goals, track changes in the childhood vaccine schedule, identify barriers, and promote beneficial changes in immunization practice. Participants can observe various techniques for data visualization.
Back to Grow: Technical Challenges and Innovations — Part III
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Back to The 2002 Immunization Registry Conference of CDC