Do WIC agencies need to use a registry?

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
Describe the impact and results of computerizing record assessment for children receiving nutritional assistance.

Background:
WIC agencies in San Diego are longtime partners in efforts to raise immunization coverage rates. However, the up-to-date status of children under 2 years assessed and referred by WIC agencies has been difficult to define. WIC agencies in San Diego began using the San Diego Regional Immunization Registry (SDIR) in November 2004. SDIR is a useful to WIC for record assessment, data for coverage rates, and updates for medical care providers.

Objectives:
Determine the effectiveness in WIC of computerized record assessment/feedback in raising immunization coverage and populating the registry.

Methods:
Immunization records of children under age 2 are assessed using SDIR at each visit. The SDIR record is updated to reflect any shots received outside the medical home. Feedback is provided to parents on their children's immunization status and if shots are needed, referrals to their medical home. Data analysis is conducted for quality assurance, track coverage, and compared with countywide data.

Results:
24,062 records for children under 2 years entered in SDIR in 2006 by WIC agencies were assessed. 1,410 records of children 24-29 months were assessed for up to date status at 24 months of age. Across the 5 WIC agencies in San Diego County, 66% were up to date for 4:3:1:3:3:1 compared to the Public Clinics (88%), Private providers (73%), and remains lower than coverage for the county as a whole (80%).

Conclusions:
Computerized record assessment and by WIC agencies provides an efficient mechanism to assess and establish coverage rates for this population. Capturing the immunization up-to-date status of this at risk population provides valuable information for WIC and Immunization programs and can assist with developing targeted interventions.