The mission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Immunization Program is to protect children and adults from vaccine preventable diseases. To help our programs achieve the prevention opportunities that currently exist, and those anticipated in the future, assistance from the Institute of Medicine was sought to determine (1) the appropriate immunization policy and program activities in the complex and changing health care system, (2) the appropriate balance in the responsibilities between state and federal agencies, and between the public and private sectors, and (3) the proper funding levels and mechanisms of funding for the 317 grant program that will be needed in the future to realize our most important prevention opportunities, including activities to vaccinate adults and other high risk populations.
The immunization system has been successful in achieving certain goals, however, we have not yet completed a system to assure that the 11,000 infants born each day receive recommended vaccines. Three additional important prevention opportunities exist: (1) implementation of new vaccines, (2) routine protection of adults and adolescents, and (3) protection of difficult-to-reach vulnerable children and high-risk adults and adolescents.
Preparation to meet these opportunities requires us to carefully select our strategies for improving the immunization system throughout the country. The recommendations of the IOM Committee on Immunization Finance Policies and Practices will be discussed in the context of the strategies to sustain our success, including improving vaccine financing, improving provider knowledge and practices, monitoring coverage and disease levels, implementing registries, and, enhancing partnerships.
Learning Objectives: The presenter will provide an overview of the current National Immunization Program and future strategies to be developed in response to the Institute of Medicine study of Immunization Finance Policies and Practices. As a result of the presentation, audience members will be able to identify: - Achievements of the immunization system - Inadequacies of the immunization system - Future challenges of the immunization system - Recommended efforts to improve the immunization system
Keywords: Immunizations,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Pharmaceutical manufacturers' products will be discussed in the context of vaccines recommended for use by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.