KEYWORDS:
Reducing barriers to immunization, Community Partnerships

BACKGROUND:
Data and studies indicated low immunization coverage rates, high lack of compliance with school entry immunization requirements and many parental immunization barriers in Aurora. In September 2002 the Aurora Fire Department, Tri-County Health Department, and Colorado Children's Immunization Coalition partnered to implement the "Aurora Firefighters Shots for Tots Program".

OBJECTIVE:
To decrease existing parental immunization barriers and increase the immunization coverage rates in a pocket of need area.

METHOD:
Hold monthly, low-cost immunization clinics in the pocket of need area for children ages 0-18. The clinics are held on Saturdays at a fire station. The nurses provide the vaccine and screen records, and the firefighter/paramedics administer the immunizations. Staff from CCIC coordinate the events, distibute donations, and provide immunization information. Children who receive immunizations can tour the fire station and have their picture taken with a firefighter. The clinic is publicized by school nurses, local organizations, radio PSA, TV coverage and PSA, and flyers.

RESULT:
The clinic has decreased parental immunization barriers in our pocket of need area. The clinic became successful quickly, and has reached an underserved population. Data from the first six months of the clinic will be presented, as well as the model for this community colaboration. This program received a grant to continue for the next year.

CONCLUSION:
Regular immunization clinics in targeted locations can decrease immunization barriers and increase immunization rates. Partnering with other organizations increases the effectiveness and visibility of the clinic.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Understand the benefits of using a partnership model.
2. Learn how parental barriers were identified and reduced.
3. Learn how the program was marketed and maintained.