KEYWORDS:
Graphic information systems, immunization registries, program operations, immunization rates

BACKGROUND:
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health, Immunization Program(OPH) began working with Scientific Technologies Corporation (STC) in January 2001 to implement the statewide, web-based immunization registry. A key LINKS module is a graphical information system (GIS)called MapDesigner which allows OPH to view immunization rates, disease rates, population distribution and many other indicators graphically on maps.

OBJECTIVE(S):
This support program operations through use of immunization registries and graphical informationsystems.

METHOD(S):
Several defined reports were delivered to Louisiana with MapDesigner. These maps include graphical displays of common CASA reports. The LINKS staff and select other users were trained to create custom maps selecting their own criteria from options available in the database.

RESULT(S):
LINKS will begin using GIS to support their program operations in January 2001. More detail about use and implementation will be available in April 2002.

CONCLUSIONS(S):
GIS is a powerful tool to add value to registries to support program operations. GIS offers a unique way of visualizing data that can lead to new ways of understanding what impacts immunization rates.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Understand what GIS is and how it can add value to immunization registries and support program operations.