BACKGROUND:
Utilizing Arkansas'immunization registry, the Immunization Network For Children (INC), and CASA as a tool to track children to improve immunization rates. Children should have completed their immunization series of 4:3:1:3:3 by the time they are 24 months of age. Electronic CASA (E-CASA) in the state of Arkansas analyzes the status of children at the age of 19 months. Analyzing the data at 19 months gives a provider five months to age-appropriately immunize a child that is not up-to-date.

OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the immunization levels of children at 19 months, identify those children needing additional doses of vaccine, to get these children age-appropriately immunized before 24 months of age.

METHOD:
Assessments were done in all the public health units (94 units) in Arkansas to determine a baseline immunization rate for each provider. The assessments were completed through Clinic Assessment Software Application (CASA). The Immunization Work Unit provides monthly E-CASA data to the local health units (LHU). LHU then provide follow-up of all children not age -appropriately immunized to increase immunization rates. Facilities not meeting the 80% minimum rates are provided technical assistance and re-evaluated in 5 months to determine progress toward meeting immunization rate goals.

RESULT:
Results should show an increase in immunization rates with percent increase determined at the end of the year 2004.
Requirements for all LHU colleagues to be trained and required to use CASA/E-CASA to assess their immunization rates monthly.

CONCLUSION:
By utilizing the Registry and CASA, we were able to demonstrate the effectiveness of combining these tools for increasing immunization rates. This project helped increase awareness of the need to track and immunize children in a timely manner.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Identify potential tools that can help increase immunization status. Awareness of the need to recall and immunize children before 24 months of age. Establish a immunization level baseline and be proactive in raising immunization rates.