BACKGROUND:
Washington is a Universal Access State. Four funding sources support the Childhood Vaccine Program, including approximately $12,000,000 per year in State funds. Challenges arose in communicating with Legislators and other stakeholders regarding changes in childhood vaccine recommendations, policies, and the amount and timing of vaccine funding. Communicating about factors influencing vaccine expenditures, vaccine supply issues and up-take fluctuations was difficult. A mechanism for consistent, timely communication of these issues was needed.

OBJECTIVE:
Increase stakeholder and funder understanding of the childhood vaccine program. Clearly communicate policy, funding and vaccine supply issues to the Legislature, Office of Financial Management, and stakeholders. Standardize methods for projecting vaccine needs, and tracking changes.

METHOD:
A work group developed standardized, documented strategies for (1) projecting vaccine need (2) monitoring and tracking funding, (3) monitoring and tracking vaccine supply, and up-take changes, and (4) identifying and reporting on policy changes and horizon issues related to vaccines.

RESULT:
A semi annual report, The Vaccine Budget and Management Packet, was developed for communicating with stakeholders. Procedures, including a timeline for up-dating the packet, internal review and sharing with Legislative staff and external stakeholders were implemented. Credibility and understanding of the Childhood Vaccine Program increased.

CONCLUSION:
Documenting standardized methods for vaccine management and budgeting promotes clear, consistent communication with stakeholders. Providing documentation on vaccine policy and funding changes and horizon issues builds credibility with stakeholders, increasing their understanding of vaccine management and the State Vaccine Program. Establishing strong communication promotes success with funding requests.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Adapt and establish standardized tools for monitoring and communicating changes in (1) vaccine projections (2) vaccine budget (3) vaccine policy changes (4) vaccine horizon issues. Articulate vaccine budget and management issues to a variety of stakeholders. Develop standardized methodologies to support vaccine management responsibilities