3040.0: Monday, November 13, 2000 - Board 3

Abstract #14527

Increasing Adolescent Immunization Rates in a Large HMO

Marlene M. Lugg, DrPH1, Allan S. Lieberthal, MD1, Constance Vadheim, PhD2, and Hang Lee, PhD2. (1) Panorama City Medical Center, Southern California Kaiser Permenente, 13652 Cantara Street, South 1 Bldg, Panorama City, CA 91402, (818) 375-3078, marlene.m.lugg@kp.org, (2) UCLA Center for Vaccine Research, 1124 W Carson Street, Bldg. E-6, Torrance, CA 90502

Southern California Kaiser Permanente serves over 2 million members in 10 medical centers and 60 plus medical office buildings throughout Southern California. A centralized immunization tracking system (KITS) is accessible from all departments, and currently contains over 12 million immunization entries. In spite of community and in-house immunization awareness campaigns, the immunization rate for 13-year-old Kaiser Permanente members remained unacceptably low.

A list is printed quarterly from KITS of 12 -12 1/2 year old children who are not up to date as per the 13-year-old immunization recommendations. These were followed-up by Immunization Coordinators using telephone or postcards, encouraging the parents to bring their children in for immunizations before their 13th birthday.

The first attempt at the use of postcard and telephone recall raised the immunization rates of adolescents from 44% to 86%. Current analysis compares using postcard vs. telephone contacts, including a cost comparison between the two methods.

Learning Objectives: Describe the efficacy of several different reminder and recall methods specific to the adolescent population

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Immunizations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Kaiser Permanente - Southern California
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am employed by Kaiser Permanente - Southern California

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA