Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to better understand the ability of nonprofit clinics to integrate a new combination vaccine into their vaccination services.

Background:
Little data exists on how quickly maximum usage of new combination vaccines can be achieved in various clinic settings. Such data is important in planning the integration of new combination vaccines into clinic vaccination activities.

Objectives:
To determine the pattern of uptake and utilization of Pediarix by nonprofit clinics, during the first two years of its availability to the Los Angeles County Immunization Program.

Methods:
A descriptive analysis was conducted of all doses of DTaP, IPV, and Hep B vaccines administered separately (includes Comvax) and in combination as Pediarix by different types of nonprofit clinics in Los Angeles County (LAC) during the first 24 months that Pediarix was available for use. These clinic types differed in regard to the mix of “episodic” versus “continuity-of-care” services offered and were categorized as: “public health,” “personal health,” “community/free,” and “other” (hospital clinics, comprehensive health centers, and universities).

Results:
There was a consistent increase in Pediarix usage among all types of nonprofit clinics in LAC during the first 12 months of vaccine availability. Peak usage patterns for all clinic types were achieved by the 12th month, except for “community/free” clinics where increasing usage continued to the end of the study period. The peak percentage of DTaP, IPV, and Hep B antigens administered as Pediatrix for each of the clinic types was: 62% for “personal health;” 55% for “community/free;” 40% for “public health,” and 39% for “other.”

Conclusions:
Most types of nonprofit clinics achieved peak usage of Pediarix by the 12th month of the vaccine's availability. “Personal health” and “community health” clinics were clinics that emphasized “continuity-of-care” and they achieved the highest Pediarix usage.