KEYWORD1:
Requirements, Compliance, Assessment, Software

BACKGROUND:
School and childcare staff have become increasingly dismayed by the complexity of state immunization requirements. Confusion has resulted from the addition of newly required vaccines and increasing emphasis on appropriate vaccine spacing.

OBJECTIVE:
To reduce the impact of immunization assessment on non-medical staff and improve the quality of data received.

METHOD:
In 1999 the Alaska Immunization Program developed ImmAGE (Immunization Assessment and Goal Evaluation), a software package used to determine immunization coverage levels in individual clinic settings. In 2001 this program was adapted to produce Self ImmAGE, a user-friendly software application that allows schools and childcares to assess attendees’ compliance with state immunization requirements and submit required reports.

RESULT:
In 2001 approximately 25% of Alaska facilities requested Self ImmAGE. Following user input of basic demographic information and immunization histories, the program generated compliance/non-compliance status reports including easily understood statements detailing reason(s) for non-compliance. The 2002 version incorporated user suggestions to guide improvements including immediate determination of a child’s compliance status at the time of data entry and production of appropriate parent reminder letters. Because Self ImmAGE has been used for only one school year, quantitative data to support the program’s success is limited. Anecdotal comments from users, however, make clear the package is an overwhelming public relations success. In less than a month 10% of facilities had requested the 2002 version; final requests are expected to double those from 2001. Planned enhancements should facilitate use by Macintosh users, making making Self ImmAGE accessible to even more of facilities.

CONCLUSION:
Self ImmAGE has become a vital and highly appreciated tool for improving immunization compliance in Alaska while reducing both the time commitment required of school and childcare staff and inadvertent assessment errors.
LEARNINGOBJECTIVES:
Describe and demonstrate a state-developed tool used to facilitate school and childcare assessment of complex immunization standards. Discuss considerations for program development.