KEYWORDS:
Site Review, Storage and Handling, Documentation, CASA, VFC, AFIX.

BACKGROUND:
Maryland Vaccines for Children Program assist VFC providers in increasing the immunization coverage rates of 4:3:1:3:3 (DTAP, Polio, MMR, Hib, Hepititis B) and help to ensure proper storage and handling of VFC vaccines.

OBJECTIVE(S):
To incorporate a standardized approach for implementing provider site visits.

METHOD(S):
Eight VFC Field Representatives were hired in April of 2001, who participated in a six-day training course. This training program was established to address the six areas that VFC Field representatives would be addressing in providers offices. Educational training sessions covered the following: Entrance Interview, Chart Review, Clinical Asessment Software Application(CASA), Exit Interview and a Written report. Special attention was given to the exit interview during the educational sessions.

RESULT(S):
Early results of the educational training session proved to help providers in meeting and exceeding both Marylands Immunization Standard of 4:3:1:3:3 or 76% and the National Standard for Immunization Practices, which is 90%. Of the provider sites that have been completed within a four-month time frame, 22 of those providers coverage rates was 100%, 52 providers met or exceeded the State and National Standards for immunization coverage rates.

CONCLUSIONS(S):
Provider site reviews have been completed and VFC program is able to identify areas of weaknesses that could prevent children from being immunized an addition to providers maintaining proper storage and handling of vaccines. Early aggregate data shows that the educational component and the recommendation given by VFC Field Representatives is helping to increase provider coverage rates and ensuring proper storage and handling of VFC vaccines.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
To establish set guidelines and protocols to help
identify problem areas in providers offices, and to educate providers on how to increase coverage rates, and maintain proper storage and handling.