BACKGROUND:
Low-income children are less likely to be immunized than their counterparts, placing them at high risk for potentially deadly diseases, such as diphtheria, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps and rubella. Sedgwick County, Kansas is the most populated county in Kansas. It has been determined that 32% - 42% of the birth cohort participate in the WIC program. Additionally, Sedgwick County was selected because the annual immunization rate for children 24-35 months of age was well below the state and national average at 17%.

OBJECTIVE:
(1) Develop method(s) to increase immunization rates in the WIC population. (2) Improve immunization delivery to children enrolled in WIC. (3) Develop method(s) to evaluate outcome.

METHOD:
Engage in cooperative efforts of WIC and Immunization staff. Implement efforts at all WIC sites within the county. Educate WIC staff concerning benefits of cooperative agreement. Educate WIC staff in the assessment of immunization records.

RESULT:
Project is currently ongoing. The immunization rates have increased within this cohort since the inception of the collaboration in 1999

CONCLUSION:
A WIC Program and Immunization Program can successfully collaborate to improve the health of children within the county.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Participants will be able to:
Develop a cooperative agreement between WIC Program and Immunization Program
List 3 methods to evaluate outcome