Patient Follow-up In High Risk Areas Using Immunization Information Systems

Background:  Immunization rates vary throughout the state of Minnesota. We have identified 12 zip codes with historical and current immunization rates which lag behind other areas of the state.  Zip codes were chosen based on current 4:3:1:3:3:1:4 up-to-date (UTD) rates and retrospective kindergarten studies of 4:3:1 UTD rates from 1993, 1997 and 2002.  Chosen zip codes also have 50 or more children between the ages of 24 and 35 months and have a family poverty rate above 5.1% (Minnesota’s rate, Census 2000). In order to increase immunization rates, reminder/recall activities were instituted and targeted towards children ages 24 to 35 months who are not UTD on their 4:3:1:3:3:1:4 series.

Setting:  Clinics and local public health offices in and around the designated zip codes.

Population:  24 to 35 month old children living in the 12 designated zip codes not UTD with their 4:3:1:3:3:1:4 vaccination series

Project Description:  Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC), the state’s immunization registry, will be used to identify not UTD children in select zip codes. Providers located within the 12 zip codes, as well as those who practice in the surrounding zip codes, will be contacted and informed of the activities.  Parents of not UTD children will then be contacted. Parent letters will state that the child may be overdue for immunizations and that the family should contact their medical provider to verify the records or schedule an appointment to have the child vaccinated. Follow up letters will be sent quarterly to parents of those kids who remain not UTD.  Mailings will be sent in four languages (English, Somali, Hmong, and Spanish) and will include a personalized MIIC record, an opt-out postcard and information on nearby low-cost and community clinics.

Results/Lessons Learned: The program will start in December 2010.  Preliminary findings from the project will be presented.