Practice Makes Perfect Training for Immunization Professionals

Background:
Immunization coverage rates are dependent on accurate administration and proper vaccine storage and handling. Practice Makes Perfect (PMP) is a partnership between the Maryland Partnership for Prevention (MPP) and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) that provides new and seasoned health professionals with comprehensive resources to support the promotion and administration of childhood and adolescent immunizations.

Setting:
Community

Population:
Immunization professionals

Project Description:
PMP provides immunization staff in private provider offices, local health departments, and other health settings free training on vaccine administration, storage, and handling. The curriculum is based on learning objectives that resulted from qualitative research conducted among Vaccine for Children Program staff, local health department immunization personnel, and members of the Maryland Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Topics include general vaccine recommendations, daycare and school immunization requirements, vaccine storage and handling, and an overview of the Maryland VFC Program. The curriculum was accredited by the Maryland Nurses Association to provide three continuing education credit for nurses.
PMP was promoted through the coalition list-serve, state health department website, and the Maryland VFC quarterly newsletter, VFC field consultants, and vaccine representatives, reaching more than 1,000 immunization providers.

Results/Lessons Learned:
Comprehensive immunization training is needed by staff in private provider offices, local health departments, and other settings. In 2008, the first year the program was offered, trainings were conducted in the five major regions of Maryland. In total, 191 people representing eighty-two VFC Provider officers, eleven local health departments, managed care organizations, local school districts, nursing homes, and vaccine. Continuing education contact hours were earned by 106 nurse participants.
An overwhelming majority of participants found the training provided “excellent” instruction on vaccine administration, storage, and handling. Feedback received through evaluations and Q&A was used to make minor changes to the content and training agenda.