KEYWORD1:
WIC, private providers, assessment and referral, AFIX, automated tracking system

BACKGROUND:
Local studies show that infants and toddlers in South LA are far more likely to be under-immunized than children throughout the rest of the county, state, and nation. In response to the problem, several agencies formed the South LA Immunization Project (SLAIP) which has received funding from the California DHS since 1995. SLAIP is administered by South LA Health Projects, a unit of the Harbor-UCLA Research and Education Institute (REI).

OBJECTIVE:
To increase immunization rates among 24-month-olds in South LA to 80% or higher up-to-date (UTD) with the 4:3:1:3:3 series.

METHOD:
Project interventions include tracking and follow-up of under-immunized children identified at REI WIC and “enhanced-AFIX” administered at private providers’ offices in South LA. REI WIC staff use an automated immunization tracking system to assess and refer all enrolled children at 4, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of age, or until the child is UTD. Enhanced-AFIX includes yearly CASA assessments, feedback in-services, 3- and 6-month follow-ups, and on-going consultation.

RESULT:
UTD rates for REI WIC 12- and 24-month-olds increased by 11 and 16 percentage points from 1997 to 2001. Among the providers receiving enhanced-AFIX, there has been a trend toward increased immunization rates.

CONCLUSION:
By simultaneously targeting parents and providers in South LA, SLAIP has been increasing the demand for immunization services while addressing issues of access and quality. As a result, immunization rates among 24-month-olds in South LA appear to be improving.
LEARNINGOBJECTIVES:
Attendees will be able to: (1) Describe the procedures used at WIC and in private providers’ offices; and (2) Describe the results of this approach in South LA.