KEYWORDS:
WIC, CDC, immunizations

BACKGROUND:
WIC children are at high risk for under-immunization. Since WIC captures 45% of the US birth cohort, WIC and the National Immunization Program (NIP) created a WIC/Immunization (WIC/IZ) Linkage information system that monitors priority immunization activities at WIC sites in each state. The system collects this data annually from state and local jurisdictions (grantees) that receive federal funding.

OBJECTIVE(S):
To evaluate the WIC/IZ Linkage system and analyze available data and its uses.

METHOD(S):
We reviewed the WIC/IZ Linkage system to examine its processes and methods. The data are self-reported by State Immunization Program Managers and State WIC Directors. The system monitors WIC/IZ interventions and produces an annual report that includes: types of intervention activities, number of WIC sites and number of sites active in intervention activities, and number of enrolled infants and children ages 1-5. We analyzed changes in Assessment/Referral (A/R), Monthly Voucher Pick-Up (MVP), and Outreach/Tracking (O/T) for years 1998 through 2000.

RESULT(S):
From 1998 to 2000, there was little change in the proportion of: the enrolled population receiving A/R (80% vs. 82% respectively), WIC sites providing A/R (76% vs. 75% respectively), or grantees providing A/R in all WIC sites (52% vs. 55% respectively). During this time, sites reporting A/R with MVP increased from 21% to 27%, and sites reporting A/R with O/T increased from 36% to 46%. For the study period, the number of grantees providing no intervention at their WIC sites remained stable (2-4 per year).

CONCLUSIONS(S):
The results show little change in the proportion of WIC children receiving the minimal intervention of A/R. Methods will need to be developed in order to reach more children with the most effective interventions in WIC.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Describe the WIC/IZ Linkage system and identify current intervention activities at WIC sites that help to facilitate increases in immunization levels for WIC participants.