Objectives. To assess potential barriers to successful WIC/immunization linkages we examined 1) predictive factors for parental success in bringing immunization records to WIC visits, and 2) the influence of family, demographic and health services characteristics on being current for immunizations. Methods. Parents of WIC children were surveyed regarding family and health services characteristics. Children’s immunization records were requested when a parent scheduled a WIC appointment, and again via a telephone reminder 24 hours prior to the visit. Survey and immunization data were match-merged with WIC program data. Results. With 24-hour telephone reminders, 45% of parents brought immunization records, and of those, 35% were up-to-date. Multivariable logistic regression models showed that parental belief that a child was up-to-date (OR=2.98, CI=1.02, 8.68) or not knowing status (OR=5.57, CI=1.41,22.09), receiving a reminder (OR=3.11, CI=1.32,7.33) and having a LBW child (OR=2.35, CI=1.01, 5.49) were significantly associated with bringing records. Having private (OR=0.43, CI=0.21, 0.86) or no health insurance (OR=0.43, CI=0.19, 0.94) and using private providers (OR=0.37, 0.18, 0.73) were significantly associated with failure to bring records. The child’s age and receiving a reminder (OR=5.16, CI=1.19, 22.43) were significantly associated with being current for immunizations.Conclusions. Family, demographic and health services characteristics can predict parental success in bringing immunization records to WIC visits, and a reminder system improves results. A parental bias against bringing records for a child not up-to-date may require special interventions. Programs linking WIC and immunization services to improve immunization coverage will be impacted by the availability and validity of parental records.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to articulate important barriers, factors or biases that will influence successful linkage between two essential childhood public health services with disparate resource bases and management.
Keywords: Immunizations, WIC
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.