KEYWORDS:
Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, Survey, Vaccine Accountability, Vaccine Ordering and Delivery

BACKGROUND:
In order to meet National Immunization Program (NIP) requirements, Hawaii's VFC Program instituted program changes. These changes occurred beginning in the year 2000 and addressed vaccine accountability, vaccine management, ordering and distribution procedures, and provider compliance with VFC requirements. Changes included redesigning and consolidating the Vaccine Administration Vist Record Form, implementing a quarterly fax only ordering procedure, starting the VFC/AFIX site visits, and increasing communication with providers.

OBJECTIVE(S):
To evaluate the strategies used to improve vaccine accountability and vaccine management, and to determine VFC Providers' satisfaction with the Hawaii VFC Program.

METHOD(S):
In April 2001 a 2-page survey designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented strategies was mailed to each active VFC provider statewide. Providers of only adult vaccines or those recruited during the survey period were excluded.

RESULT(S):
A total of 262 provider sites were surveyed. Response rate was 83% after subsequent mailings and telephone follow-up. Of the responders, 93% rated being "very satisfied" with the new vaccine ordering procedures and the timeliness of vaccine delivery, 87% rated being "very satisfied" with the program support provided, and 85% rated being "very satisfied" with the newly designed Vaccine Administration Visit Record Form. However, only 55% rated being "very satisfied" with vaccine accountability procedures.

CONCLUSIONS(S):
The strategies developed by the Hawaii Vaccines for Children Program were successful in both providing program support as well as in improving the vaccine ordering and delivery system, and vaccine administration screening and documentation while reducing the number of forms required. Areas that need to be further improved include vaccine accountability and the selection of vaccines available through the Hawaii VFC Program.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
The impact of new strategies implemented by the Hawaii VFC Program on its VFC providers.