Using Immunization Information Systems and Performance Based Contracts to Improve Childhood Immunization Rates

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of this presentation participants will be able to:
Define population based immunization assessments using IIS.
Understand the assurance role in the Core Functions of Public Health.

Background:
The Wisconsin Immunization Program provides funding to local health departments (LHDs) in the form of performance based contracts. The focus is to raise immunization levels in the pediatric population. The Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) serves is used toassess immunization levels.

Setting:
The 92 LHDs that provide public health services in Wisconsin.

Population:
All children 19-35 months of age

Project Description:
The focus is that children 19-35 months of of age complete their primary series of immunizations (4:3:1:3:3:1) by their second birthday. In keeping with Health People 2010 the goal is that 90% of children complete their primay series by their second birthday. As part of the performance based contract process the LHDs must submit objectives to meet basic goals.
The Core Functions of Public Health are Assessment, Policy Development and Assurance. The Immunization Program requires the LHDs to assess the immunization levels of the target population in their area of jurisdiction. This includes the entire cohort population of the jurisdiction, not just those served by the respective LHD. Recently enhanced GIS capabilites of the WIR enable the LHD to identify the target population. Once the target population is determined the WIR assesses the immunization status of the cohort establish a baseline assessment. As determined by the baseline the LHDs must incremetally raise immunization levels in the target population. As many of the children in need of immunization may beprivate health care provider patients there is the need to build and maintain a public/private partnership.

Results/Lessons Learned:
In 2002, 4 counties reached the 90% completion goal. In 2006, 11 counties reached the goal with many other counties attaining higher immunization levels in keeping with the overall goal.