Using Immunization Information Systems to Educate Immunization Providers on Safe and Effective Vaccine Administration

Background:
Many doses of vaccines are given to children and adults erroneously including mistakes in timing or administration. Misadministration of vaccines presents a number of risks including adverse events, and can leave individuals and communities vulnerable to serious diseases. The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) provides immunization materials and education to providers in the state through a number of educational initiatives. Data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR) has been used to help determine key immunization education messages.

Setting:
Public and private health settings providing immunization services including ambulatory care settings, clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, and school based health centers.

Population:
Healthcare providers – public and private- who administer vaccines.

Project Description:
A review of immunization data in MCIR was done. An assessment of vaccine Dose Administered Reports (DAR) and Vaccine Inventory Module (VIM) in MCIR revealed that many immunization providers were not administering vaccines correctly. Noted errors included vaccines administered out of the licensed age range, timing and interval violations. Targeted educational materials and messages were developed based on this information and disseminated through state-wide office and physician based education programs, MDCH newsletter articles and a welcome screen seen by providers when they access MCIR. An informational “button” was developed for immunization history screens in MCIR. This informs providers when administered vaccines have not meet minimum/maximum age or intervals. The VIM assists providers when documenting manufacturer and lot numbers. Lot numbers not included in the clinic's vaccine inventory cannot be documented. Registry data has been used by local health departments who can contact immunization providers directly and share one-on-one education on vaccine administration errors/issues. MCIR data has also been used to establish educational messages for professional organization publications as well as conference presentations.

Results/Lessons Learned:
Using data from immunization information systems can determine vaccine education messages for immunization providers including those related to vaccine administration.