BACKGROUND:
The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District’s (SAMHD) Immunization/WIC Linkage Program is designed to increase immunization coverage levels among WIC participants 0 - 2 years of age using immunization assessment, reminder/recall, provider referrals, and immunization education. At every WIC visit, clinics are required to assess the immunization status of participants to ensure that they are protected against vaccine preventable diseases as indicated by the Childhood Immunization Schedule.

OBJECTIVE:
Increase immunization coverage rates of WIC enrolled children 0-2 years of age.

METHOD:
By using immunization assessment, the WIC Linkage Program identifies children participating in WIC that are in need of immunizations. Reminder/recall, provider referral and immunization education are provided to WIC clients assessed as behind or due for vaccinations. Immunization education is provided to WIC participants through presentations and mini health fairs held at selected WIC locations. In addition, WIC participants complete surveys evaluating presentations.

RESULT:
Through the innovative collaboration with WIC, the immunization records of 32,156 WIC clients with scheduled certification and midpoint appointments were assessed during 2003. The immunization status of WIC children from behind to up to date increased 22% after intervention. Immunization education was provided during 353 infant classes, where 3,463 WIC parents participated. When compared to 2002, immunization education class participation increased 25%.

CONCLUSION:
The Immunization/WIC Linkage collaboration makes it possible to reach WIC enrolled children that are in need of immunizations. The collaboration helps to increase immunization coverage rates of WIC enrolled children 0-2 years. In 2002, 97% of parents surveyed felt that the presentations helped them to understand more about childhood immunizations. Also in 2003, CASA assessments showed a 20% increase in immunization records assessed by WIC staff.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Collaborative efforts between the WIC and Immunization Programs help raise immunization coverage levels among WIC children 0 – 2 years of age.