Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
1. Define the challenges of mass immunizations
2. Identify the components necessary for a successful mass immunization site
3. Apply technology to improve efficiency and success of mass immunization



Background:
Local Public Health Department responsibilities in Pennsylvania include emergency preparedness and disaster planning. As part of these activities, the ability to immunize large numbers of people at community sites is essential. Annually the Montgomery County Health Department (MCHD) utilizes mass influenza vaccination clinics to test the efficiency for and ability to administer immunizations to a large number of high risk populations in a short period of time. Evaluation of the process for improvement includes: customer service vs. collection of necessary client information vs. time for completion of immunization. With the advent of technology and availability of immunization registries, the opportunity to improve mass immunization site efficiency exists.


Setting:
Various community-based mass immunization sites. MCHD has 14,000 influenza vaccination recipients from the 2004 mass vaccination clinics populated in a web-based state immunization registry. Approximately 60% of these clients are estimated to be returnees to the 2005 mass vaccination clinics.


Population:
Individuals at high risk for contracting influenza


Project Description:
Pennsylvania's Statewide Immunization Information System (SIIS), the web-based immunization registry was used on site using notebook computers to verify demographic information from 2004, thereby eliminating the time needed for individuals to complete new paper registration forms.


Results/Lessons Learned:
The use of notebook computers on site minimized the time for clients to provide already captured demographic information. This improved customer service, increased the number of immunizations administered in a period of time and decreased time delay in capturing demographic information. Internet connections were tested for speed and reliability. Phone lines were too slow, wireless was fast with a high reliability.