Working Together to Improve Adolescent Immunization Rates in NJ: It's All about Partnerships!

Background:
The NJ Pediatric Council on Research and Education (NJ PCORE) is coordinating multi-pronged adolescent-focused activities by state agencies, community-based organizations and adolescent specialists. The partnership works together to support primary care providers and their patients to improve adolescent immunization rates and well-care in New Jersey.

Setting:
Twenty-eight primary care practices in targeted communities including private practices, FQHCs, a local health department's clinics, hospital and university-based primary care sites and school-based health centers. All are VFC providers and NJIIS users.

Population:
NJ's 1.0 million adolescents, 11 to 18 years old, who might need immunizations and comprehensive well-care in a medical home or at alternative healthcare sites.

Project Description:
PCORE's Adolescent Immunizations Community Partnership (AICP) works within communities and involves adolescents, parents, schools and the health community, while targeting individual practices for improvement. Education on vaccine preventable diseases was provided to adolescents working with their teachers and advisors to create peer-to-peer PSAs and a website. Site visits were conducted at 13 provider organizations, representing 28 practice sites. Baseline data were collected on immunization rates and practice characteristics, to tailor education, resources and follow-up support. Changes in practice policies and immunizations will be evaluated over time.

Results/Lessons Learned:
Initial practice-based adolescent immunization rates were consistent with NIS data. It takes a “soft touch” to meet a diverse group of health care organizations at their various levels, identify their needs and support their improvements. Partnering with community-based organizations, schools, parents and adolescents is important in increasing adolescent immunization rates in NJ.