KEYWORD1:
immunization delivery, pediatricians

BACKGROUND:
The goal for universal immunization set in 1977 has not been reached; in 2001, only 77.2% of US toddlers 19 to 35 months of age had received their basic immunization series. Children who are members of a racial or ethnic minority, who are poor, or who live in inner-city or rural areas have lower immunization rates. Additional challenges to vaccine delivery include the introduction of new childhood vaccines, ensuring a dependable supply of vaccines, bolstering public confidence in vaccine safety, and sufficient compensation for vaccine administration.

OBJECTIVE:
This presentation will review the approaches Pediatricians can take in their offices and collectively to assure the timely receipt of immunizations by children in the US.

METHOD:

RESULT:

CONCLUSION:
Pediatricians improve their practices’ effectiveness in immunizing children by sending parent reminders for upcoming visits and recall notices after missed visits and using prompts during all office visits to remind parents and staff about immunizations needed at that visit. Provider offices can also participate in AFIX or other CQI programs practices, including creating standing orders for office staff to screen for and administer immunizations. Pediatricians should work individually and collectively at local and national levels to ensure that all children receive all childhood immunizations on time, through the following approaches; develop relationships with public provides of immunizations and foster collaboration and exchange of immunization records; .participate in the Vaccines For Children (VFC) Program or state vaccine purchase programs; advocate with state Medicaid programs and private third-party payers of childhood vaccines for timely access to all ACIP/AAP/AAFP endorsed childhood vaccines and adequate reimbursement for vaccine administration; advocate with vaccine manufacturers and state and federal governments to maintain an adequate supply of all childhood vaccine at all times; and, implement all of the published Standards for Pediatric Immunization Practice as endorsed by the AAP and the National Vaccine Advisory Committee
LEARNINGOBJECTIVES:
For all providers of immunizations to better understand the role of pediatricians in immunization delivery at the local, state and national level.