Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
* understand why adopting AFIX works
* describe three ways to integrate AFIX into a clinic's day to day practices


Background:
Private providers, specifically community health centers, have an increasing number of patients receiving immunizations. It is imperative that they practice proper vaccine handling and administration and that they ensure that their patients are completing their immunization series in a timely manner. Community clinics are sometimes at a loss as to how to accomplish this. AFIX is a proven strategy to improve immunization rates. State and county health department staff typically work with public and private providers to implement AFIX and providers are encouraged to take ownership of the strategy. This presentation will demonstrate how taking ownership of AFIX really makes a difference in a clinic's ability to protect its patients.

Setting:
Clinicas De Salud Del Pueblo, Inc.'s network of seven Community Health Centers.

Population:
Clinic staff and patients age 24 to 35 months of age, who are predominantly Latino and living in low-income, geographically isolated desert communities in Southeastern California.

Project Description:
Clinicas De Salud Del Pueblo has an immunization program that provides continuity in immunization services by utilizing AFIX. The immunization program provides regular feedback on the clinics performance across several measures. Program staff ensure that all clinics comply with the standards of immunization practice; provide on-going staff training; and reward those clinics who are doing well or making significant improvements.

Results/Lessons Learned:
By having clinic staff dedicated to upholding the Standards for Immunization Practices on a daily basis through AFIX, clinics improve their immunization coverage rates. Clinicas De Salud del Pueblo had had a stagnant average coverage rate of 52% for five years up to 2004. But from 2004 to 2006, its rate increased dramatically to 75% by making this systematic change.