Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to describe the benefits and challenges of innovative regional strategies and partnerships to promote immunization goals; and articulate evaluation strategies for process and outcome measurement.


Background:
Oregon and Washington collaborated to develop a two state 4th DTaP initiative to address low 4th DTaP immunization rates and increasing pertussis disease by promoting timely administration of the fourth DTaP dose. The initiative builds on established partnerships between state immunization coalitions, state public health agencies, local health, and other stakeholders; and uses regional strategies to maximize resources.


Setting:
In Oregon and Washington, states that cover almost 170 thousand square miles of urban centers and rural areas. Both states immunization rates are below the national average.


Population:
Total two state population of 9.5 million people. Initiative messages were tailored to multiple target audiences, including providers, parents, general public, and ethnic and racial subgroups.


Project Description:
Using a logic model, state and local immunization partners developed a 4th DTaP Initiative implementation and evaluation plan to that included coordinated activities tailored to address the specific needs of each state. Activities include an education campaign for parents and providers, multi-media public outreach, and mini-campaigns following local pertussis outbreaks. State immunization information systems, hotlines, health promotion mailings, and websites are used for promotion and evaluation.


Results/Lessons Learned:
The Oregon and Washington 4th DTaP Initiative is a model for regional partnerships to promote immunization, maximize limited resources and enhance efforts by generating increased awareness. A key to success is flexibility; collaborating, planning and sharing strategies, and diverging as appropriate to meet individual state needs. Despite the challenges to evaluate a regional campaign with multiple target audiences, both states have utilized statewide registries, hotlines and websites to develop evaluation measures.