KEYWORDS:
Immunization rates, children, reminder-recall

BACKGROUND:
Immunization rates in inner-city, underserved populations in Chicago have been historically low. To improve this, PIP provides door-to-door reminder-recall on foot. Working in one inner-city housing development, the Robert Taylor Homes (RTH), on time immunization of children < 72 months of age is now 81.9%. We recently deployed our program to a second Chicago Housing Authority facility, the Harold Ickes Homes (HIH).

OBJECTIVE(S):
Determine on-time immunization status of HIH children as a) a baseline assessment of immunization coverage in Chicago and b) as a comparison with RTH children to assess PIP program effect.

METHOD(S):
HIH children were surveyed for immunization status by door-to-door interviews, using only written immunization records and arranging for immunization receipt in primary care facilities for children not up-to-date.

RESULT(S):
We have completed an initial canvas of HIH children. RTH and HIH residents are comparable in socio-economic status and demographics. Immunization rates in 11/01 in the two housing developments differed significantly. Children in RTH had an on-time immunization rate of 81.9% while children in HIH had an up-to-date immunization rate of 59.6% (x ²=25.01, P<.0001).

CONCLUSIONS(S):
The baseline immunization rate for HIH children was higher than historically expected in inner-city public housing. However, this rate was significantly lower than that found in a comparable facility where PIP has been operative. These data affirm that PIP is a valuable program that can increase immunization rates.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
To determine the effectiveness of reminder-recall on foot in inner-city Chicago.