KEYWORDS:
Vaccination Schedule; Adult; Adolescent; Algorithm
BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa County Immunization Registry, developed in-house and in existence since 1995, has always used table-driven logic to implement the ACIP recommendations for childhood immunizations. The registry includes an algorithm for dose validation, the calculation and display of next due dates and a "Why" button to explain algorithm results. Adolescent schedules have also been supported since 1998, for the alternative dosing schedules for Varicella and Hepatitis B vaccines.
OBJECTIVE:
Building upon the adolescent schedule capabilities already in place, add scheduling capabilities including flu and Td booster immunizations as well as Pneumococcal Polysaccharide vaccination for high-risk groups. Provide added value and meet increasing demands for integrated care by linking up with other in-house developed case management or chronic disease management modules such as asthma and prenatal registries.
METHOD:
Enhance the existing client-server application by building on the existing vaccine scheduling and assessment algorithm. The table driven design allows for easy expansion of the vaccines and schedules supported.
RESULT:
Provide an immunization registry linked to other in-house developed healthcare delivery applications which will provide immunization details and recommendations for all segments of our patient population, regardless of age.
CONCLUSION:
Adult and Adolescent immunization schedules are an important part of the vaccination algorithm. A well-rounded immunization registry, which serves all ages and is easily accessible from multiple applications, is of great value in providing comprehensive health care and well worth the development effort.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
To explore the next steps in the delivery of immunization information, once childhood schedules are well supported.
Handout (.ppt format, 139.0 kb)
Back to It's Not Just For Kids Anymore - Expansion of Immunization Registries to Adult Populations
Back to The 2003 Immunization Registry Conference (October 27-29, 2003)