KEYWORDS:
Education, Immunization Providers

BACKGROUND:
Immunization Program staff became aware of the need to make available up-to-date information on immunization issues to immunization providers and to recognize providers achieving high immunization rates.

OBJECTIVE:
Provide an appealing and appropriate venue for providing current information on immunization issues.
Publicly recognize providers having immunization rates 90% or greater for two year old children, present them with awards.

METHOD:
Develop a no-fee, one-day conference to be held at 3 locations accessible to many providers.
Offer exhibition opportunities to vaccine manufacturers and other related companies.
Provide speakers presenting on “cutting edge” immunization issues.
Offer providers the opportunity to showcase immunization related projects.
Recognize providers with immunization rates over 90% in two year old children, based on CASA. Winners of the “Most Improved” rates are announced, certificates are presented for rates between 90-95%; plaques are presented for rates of 95-100%.

RESULT:
Indiana Immunization Education and Awards Conferences are held annually at 3 locations.
Audience includes: Public Providers such as Local Health Department staff and Community Health Centers staff, Private Providers, school nurses, WIC Coordinators, Headstart and Day Care Providers, staff of correctional facilities, and nursing students.
Agenda: speaker from CDC, Indiana pediatrician, “Ask the Experts” panel, "Nursing Issues Presentation" and two to three breakout sessions.
Number of immunization providers achieving 90% rates or greater: Based on 4-3-1-3 series: 1999 = 36; 2000 = 58; 2001 = 92 and 2002 = 134. (In 2002, due to vaccine shortages, rates were based on 3-3-1-3 series as well, 30 additional awards).
2002 Registration was 550 persons.

CONCLUSION:
Opportunities provided:
Recognition of accomplishments of immunization providers in a public forum;
Networking,
Learning the latest immunization information,
Viewing available products, such as vaccines, sharps, etc.
Sharing ideas during the Poster sessions.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Describe activities that provide educational programming for immunization providers.
Develop strategies that make immunizations an important issue for health care providers.
Discuss methods of establishing an awards program for immunization providers with rates greater than 90%.