BACKGROUND:
The annual average number of migrant workers in New York State is approximately 47,000. In 2003, the New York State Department of Health’s (NYSDOH) Immunization Program incorporated an objective into the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant to foster partnerships with migrant health programs. The purpose of this objective was to identify the immunization needs of adult and children migrants and to provide resources to administer vaccinations when possible/available.

OBJECTIVE:
Identify immunization needs and vaccination coverage of both adults and children in the migrant community.

METHOD:
The Immunization Program staff reviewed the 2002 annual reports that were submitted by 15 migrant health programs. A convenience sampling of adult migrants (n=714) who received immunizations was analyzed. In addition, histories of 50 children who attended the Agri-Business Child Development (ABCD) Center were evaluated. Data was entered and analyzed by the CDC’s Clinic Assessment Software Application (CASA).

RESULT:
In 2002, one migrant center provided services to 714 migrants; 55% of these individuals were in the 19-34 year age group and 92% of the 714 were immunized for influenza, however very few other vaccines were offered. The ABCD vaccination rate for children > 24 months of age for the 4:3:1 series was 85%. (NYS rate is 83.5% and national level is 78.4%).

CONCLUSION:
Staff concluded from limited results, that migrant children are well immunized. However, adults had limited access to immunization services. Influenza vaccine was the primary vaccine offered to the 19-34 year age group. Based on these findings, a pilot project was initiated in eleven counties to try to improve the vaccination rates of the migrant adult population. The project supplied vaccines for adults through county health departments for distribution to migrant programs. Tracking measures must be improved and better educational materials are needed.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
· The assessment gives information on the lack of immunization data for migrant adults.
· A need exists for the Immunization Program to collaborate with migrant health programs, to update immunization information and change grant reporting requirements.