Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to identify methods to keep infants on schedule and to complete apropriate immunizations by the 24 month birthday.

Background:
Immunization rates for infants 24 months of age and younger in health centers in Suffolk County hovered around 85% for several years. Survey of immunization records revealed many missed opportunities and infants who were behind schedule. While a number of infants did catch up, they were left vulnerable to vaccine preventable illness, because they were behind schedule. Health centers began using the combination vaccine DTaP-IPV-Hep B as soon as it became available. A striking increase was noted in the annual immunization assessment once the use of this combination was implemented.

Objectives:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to identify methods to keep infants on schedule and to complete appropriate immunizations by the 24 month birthday.

Methods:
A comparison assessment of records of a sample of infants 24 months of age and younger who attend the Suffolk County Department of Health Services Health Centers was conducted using AFIX. The survey was conducted using data from the year before the combination vaccine was instituted and the year after its institution.

Results:
Immunization rates for infants who had been appropriately immunized by the 24 month birthday and remained on schedule rose from 84% to 93% in one year.

Conclusions:
Nurses are more likely to give all vaccines indicated at a visit if they use a combination vaccine to decrease the number of shots. Infants are less likely to fall behind schedule if the combination vaccine is used. Infants are more likely to complete age appropriate imunizations if combination vaccines are used.