BACKGROUND:
During Fall 2002, the Immunization Program (IP) began collaborating with Washington State Tribes on immunization related projects for tribal children. Tribes have addressed specific immunization needs in developing projects including educational outreach, assessments and the development of culturally appropriate immunization materials.

OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this project is for the IP to develop relationships with tribes to foster appropriate and up-to-date immunizations in order to decrease the incidence and likelihood of vaccine preventable diseases.
The specific objectives include providing funding and technical assistance to tribes who wish to estimate immunization coverage among some portion of their tribal population. By participating in this project, Tribes can establish baseline rates of immunization coverage.

METHOD:
Because Vaccines for Children (VFC) monies are used to fund this project, populations selected for projects must include at least some tribal members below 19 years of age.
Interested tribes are offered several methodologies including: Birth Certificate Followback Surveys, Household Cluster Surveys, Clinic Assessment using CASA software, and use of the immunization registry.

RESULT:
Since the project began, the IP has completed coverage assessments and funded immunization interventions with the Makah Nation and the Wa He Lut Indian School. The IP is currently collaborating and funding projects with the Nisqually Indian Tribe and the Tulalip Tribes of Washington. Both are enrolling in CHILD Profile Immunization Registry and entering immunization information for all their tribal children. In addition, they are planning assessments of immunization coverage, health fairs and additional clinical immunization efforts to increase coverage rates.

CONCLUSION:
These projects are important because they build effective working relationships with Tribes and State Government while honoring American Indian sovereignty, and they promote improved health services to Native American people.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Learn successful methods of partnering with Native American tribes to foster up-to-date immunizations.