BACKGROUND:
Montana Medicaid’s PCCM Program has studied the immunization rate of two-year-old clients since 1997. Montana began participating in the GPRA Childhood Immunization Improvement Initiative in 2001. At this time the study methodology was changed to proximate the methodology of the Immunization Program which assesses the immunization rate of all 2 year olds in Montana. Montana Medicaid worked in collaboration with the State Immunization Program on an intervention to increase that immunization rate. Beginning December 2002 the “Reading Well” program was initiated. Medicaid and the Immunization Program work closely with each County Public Health Department. Parents/Guardians of two-year-olds can bring completed immunization records to the county public health department and then select a free book. If the record is not complete, the public health department can administer the missing vaccinations.
March 2004 this program will be expanded to kindergarteners. This will involve collaboration with Montana’s Office of Public Instruction.

OBJECTIVE:
Primary:
1. Increase the immunization rate of all Montana children.
2. Increase the population of the county immunization registries.
Secondary:
1. Improve language development
2. Improve literacy.

METHOD:
Using a random sample of clients and Primary Care Providers (PCP). The PCP is asked to indicate if the child has had the vaccinations of interest. Any incomplete vaccination records are then sent to the County Public Health Departments for information. For any Native American clients who still are not indicated as fully immunized we follow up with the I.H.S. and tribal health.

RESULT:
Preliminary results indicate success. Re-study results will be available at the time of the conference

CONCLUSION:
Not yet available.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Participants will learn about a collaborative program to increase immunization rates in populations that traditionally have lower rates.