KEYWORDS:
WIC, Immunization Registries, Information Systems

BACKGROUND:
In December 2000, an executive memorandum issued the following directives: a) the immunization status of children applying for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) be evaluated using a documented immunization history, and b)the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services develop a plan to facilitate a national strategy to improve the immunization rates of children served by WIC. One goal of the strategic plan is to increase the number of WIC children enrolled in immunization registries. Approximately 45 percent of the nation's infants less than one year of age participate in WIC. WIC's ability to link to immunization registries will save time and resources, and improve the accuracy of determining a child's up-to-date immunization status.

OBJECTIVE(S):
To develop an informal document that can be used by WIC state agencies and immunization registries in developing automated systems for sharing immunization information to facilitate WIC screening and referral. Three to five models will be included in the document.

METHOD(S):
The CY2000 Immunization Registry Annual Report identified CDC grantees with population-based registries that have links with their WIC clinics. An interview survey will be developed to collect information from 10 grantees. From the information collected, 3 to 5 states will be selected for inclusion in the final document.

RESULT(S):
Evaluation results will focus on the programmatic, technical, legal, educational, and financial aspects needed to foster automated links between the WIC and immunization registries.

CONCLUSIONS(S):
States interested in pursuing automation to improve communication between WIC and their immunization registry will benefit from the lessons learned by programs that have implemented effective systems.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Identify potential barriers program managers can face when developing linkages.
2. Describe methods used to have an effective partnership.