KEYWORDS:
WIC, Childhood Immunizations

BACKGROUND:
State WIC agencies must complete immunization screening and referral activities for their clients. Pennsylvania’s WIC/Immunization Program have had a partnership for several years for immunization screening and referral. These activities were initially in all WIC clinics. With funding reductions assessment and referral for WIC clients were limited to Pocket of Need areas.

OBJECTIVE(S):
Increase immunization coverage rates of children attending WIC clinics.

METHOD(S):
PA’s WIC/Immunization Program have agreed to expand the immunization screening and referral to include all WIC clinics. At every WIC visit, immunization records will be assessed; children not up to date with immunizations will be referred to their provider. Immunization histories will be entered into the computerized screening module during certification visits. Training is needed for WIC staff to appropriately perform these tasks. Immunizations will provide education/training for WIC staff regarding immunizations; the importance of completing age appropriate immunizations; and recognition of various documentations for vaccines.

RESULT(S):
The training will begin in early 2002 with screenings and referrals by September 2002. Screening data will be analyzed and immunization coverage rate reports will be generated.

CONCLUSIONS(S):
Immunization coverage rates for children participating in WIC will be compared with coverage rates for same age children participating in the public sector clinics in PA and with the National Immunization Survey reports for the same cohorts in PA and the Nation.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Describe the computerized assessment and referral module and provide an overview of the training model for WIC personnel regarding basic understanding of routine childhood immunizations.