Adolescent Assessments: An Idaho Perspective

Background:
In 2007 the CDC recommended that grantees begin conducting adolescent assessments as a tool to evaluate adolescent immunization rates and practices in their state or territory. The recent publication of adolescent immunization rates in NIS-Teen suggests that states may have a long way to go to achieve Healthy People 2010 adolescent vaccination goals. Idaho is one of the first states to take a proactive approach to improve adolescent immunization rates by implementing a statewide Adolescent Assessment Program in 2008.

Setting:
Immunization provider offices

Population:
Idaho's Adolescent Assessment Program targets 5% of Vaccine for Children (VFC) providers statewide to receive an adolescent AFIX visit in 2008.

Project Description:
Idaho's Adolescent Assessment Program seeks to evaluate adolescent vaccination rates and educate immunization providers about adolescent immunization best-practices. An adolescent AFIX visit consists of reviewing the Standards for Child and Adolescent Immunization Practices and a chart review to assess vaccination coverage levels for teens 13-17 years of age. Adolescent immunization rates and best-practice recommendations were discussed with the VFC provider at the conclusion of the visit.

Results/Lessons Learned:
Idaho's Adolescent Assessment Program has been an effective catalyst to change VFC provider behavior. Following an adolescent AFIX visit providers are more likely to offer all ACIP recommended vaccines to teens and implement best-practice recommendations. Idaho hopes that by increasing VFC provider awareness and encouraging action that we can affect Idaho's adolescent immunization rates. While Idaho's Adolescent Assessment Program is not the one solution to improve teen immunizations in Idaho it is the cornerstone to building a successful workforce providing healthcare to teens.