State health departments and immunization programs have a critical leadership role to play in (1) establishing immunization policies and goals within their respective states, and (2) in implementing federal policies and applying federal resources within their state programs as well. The state immunization program may be the focal point for these efforts; however, a variety of state programs, including Medicaid, WIC and MCH, and cash assistance, day care and educational agencies are critical to achieving population-based immunization goals. Coordinating these federal and state actors to the end of an effective strategy to immunize children and adolescents in a timely manner is a challenging task, and one that requires great flexibility and responsiveness to health financing system changes and to varying local environments and policies. States need stability and predictability from their federal partner in immunization finance, as well as policy guidance that allows for state implementation adapted to local conditions.
Learning Objectives: 1. The state perspective on the adequacy and structure of federal programs supporting immunization efforts will be presented. 2. An analysis of the IOM's recommendations will be given. 3. A characterization of the relative roles of the California state health department and local governmental units in supporting immunization services and policy will be given
Keywords: Immunizations, Financing
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Institute of Medicine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (National Immunization Program), State of California Health Department
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.