BACKGROUND:
Attaining full immunization coverage is a critical investment in a child’s current and future health. Anecdotal evidence from area maternal and child health providers suggests that under-immunization is a problem in North Lawndale. This can often be attributed to two major factors: lack of an efficient immunization tracking and follow-up mechanism and, limited parental education about immunization issues. The North Lawndale Immunization Program was designed to improve knowledge and appropriate usage of immunization services within the North Lawndale community.

OBJECTIVE:
To increase immunization rates within North Lawndale, specifically in Kling Pediatrics and Lawndale Plaza Clinic.

METHOD:
In fulfilling its mission, the program does the following: immunization education sessions for parents in schools, WIC agencies, daycare centers, and other community organizations; advertisements in local newspapers and radio stations; church-based health activities including health fairs; incentives to reward parents for up-to-date shots; and distribution of immunization educational materials within community organizations. Also, TOTS, a registry, is used for tracking and data collection and analysis.

RESULT:
Immunization coverage levels have increased since the inception of the program. Up-to-date status was determined for the 3:2:2:2 series for 12 months and the 4:3:1:3:3 series by 24 months. At Kling Pediatrics CASA data shows an increase of immunization rates from 2001 to 2003, increasing from 82% to 90% for UTD at 12 months and 51% to 77% for UTD at 24 months. At Lawndale Plaza Clinic, CASA data shows an increase of immunization rates from 2001 to 2003 increasing from 56% to 83% for UTD at 12 months and 34% to 50% for UTD at 24 months.

CONCLUSION:
The interventions implemented by the North Lawndale Immunization Program have proved to be effective in increasing immunization coverage levels.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Summarize what interventions have been implemented, describe what interventions are most effective, and identify future challenges that will impact childhood immunization rates.