KEYWORDS:
WIC, Immunization Assessment

BACKGROUND:
Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois Department of Human Services joined in a two-year initiative to raise immunization levels to 90 percent among 2-year-old WIC clients. The concept is not new but this linkage provides focus and accountability. 205 WIC clinics are required to routinely assess immunization status of participants using Cornerstone data from 2 age cohorts: 12-23 months and 24-35 months. Statewide, 58 percent of 12 -23 month old and 43 percent of 24 -35 month old WIC children are in compliance with the immunization schedule.

OBJECTIVE(S):
To improve immunization coverage among WIC partcipants through routine measurement and recall in Cornerstone resulting in overall increased vaccine coverage levels.

METHOD(S):
205 WIC clinics received an initial Cornerstone report showing levels of WIC recipients through June 30, 2001. All clinics are to run corresponding local reports to compare data, resolve discrepancies and update records. Cornerstone data has been supplemented with Medicaid billing data. The clinic report will be distributed to all sites, quarterly, and utilized by DHS regional representatives providing guidance to WIC clinics on immunization services and Cornerstone functionality.

RESULT(S):
Preliminary data for July-September 2001 show levels for 12 to 23 month-old and 24 to 35 month-old children have increased to 69% and 55%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS(S):
Data will be used as an outcome measure for clinic performance. DHS will build on this process to develop strategies linking other data systems to Cornerstone.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
To understand how routine and mandated assessment of WIC immunization levels using Cornerstone can improve community immuization levels.