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Background: According to the National Immunization Survey (NIS), New Jersey ranks 43rd in delivering timely immunizations. There are multiple causes for NJ’s lower than acceptable immunization rates: inadequate funding, low rates of NJIIS participation, need for the underinsured to leave their medical home, increasing vaccine hesitancy and lack of a statewide immunization coalition.
Setting: The Congress was held at Princeton University in September 2009.
Population: Engaged key stakeholders from multiple disciplines to discuss challenges and identify solutions to improve New Jersey’s vaccine delivery and financing systems.
Project Description: To close identified gaps and boost NJ’s NIS ranking, the American Academy of Pediatrics, New Jersey Chapter (AAPNJ), received grant-funding from AAP to work creatively to mobilize the invited participants. Included were private and public primary care providers, medical directors/finance/billing experts from third party payers, representatives from vaccine manufacturers, parent advocates and NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, Vaccine Preventable Disease Program leadership.
Results/Lessons Learned: An action plan outlining solutions was prioritized and is being implemented. Strategies identified include:
- Launching a multi-part education campaign targeting legislators.
- Implementing a sustained social media campaign.
- Improving the functionality of and participation in NJIIS.
- Investigating how
VFC providers could vaccinate their underinsured pediatric patients, participate in vaccine purchasing groups, and receive timely and equitable payments for immunization services.