Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to identify areas with Immunization disparities in a public school setting.
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to identify successful strategies to reduce disparities.

Background:
In 2001, a city-wide initiative was launched to improve public school immunization rates. The initiative targetted all public school students who were non-compliant with immunizations. Based on a review of immunization rates for 2001-2002, disparties existed between elementary and senior high students, African-American and White students, and students in different geographic areas.

Setting:
Washington, DC. community and public school students.

Population:
School-age children attending DC public school, with immunization records in the DC Immunization Registry.

Project Description:
Through monthly reviews, the immunization status of school-age children throughout the District of Columbia has been monitored and targeted for improvement. The Immunization Registry data was supplemented by census data and published public school data including percentage of students receiving free and reduced lunch and ward in which school is located. School entry and Adolescent immunization rates are also monitored quarterly for the CDC Sentinel Site Project and annually for the CDC School Assessment report.
Immunization rates have risen from 40% in 2001 to 75% in 2002 to 96% in 2006 within this population. When compared with 2001-2002 data, a review of the immunization rates for 2005-2006 indicates that the 18% disparity between African-American and White students has disappeared; the 15% disparity between elementary and high school students has disappeared; and the 7% disparity between students in different areas of the city has disappeared.


Results/Lessons Learned:
School-based efforts can increase immunization rates in a highly mobile, high-poverty population. Increased immunization coverage rates can also reduce vaccine coverage disparities. Racial, age, and socio-economic disparities in immunization coverage can be successfully eliminated. Immunization Information Systems can facilitate improved immunization coverage and reduced disparities.