Rabia Akram, MPH, MBA, North Lawndale Immunization Program, Sinai Community Institute, 2653 West Ogden Avenue, Chicago, IL 60608, 773-257-5088, akrr@sinai.org

Attaining full immunization coverage is a critical investment in a child’s current and future health. Unfortunately, not all children are immunized according to recommended schedules. Immunization rates for children in the city of Chicago are currently at 67%, which is well below the national goal that 90% of America's toddlers be fully vaccinated by age 2 (Healthy People 2010, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). In many of Chicago’s Westside neighborhoods, rates fall well below even the 67% average. Anecdotal evidence from area maternal and child health providers suggests that under-immunization is a problem in North Lawndale. This can often be attributed to two major factors: lack of an efficient immunization tracking and follow-up mechanism and, limited parental education about immunization issues. The North Lawndale Immunization Program was designed to improve knowledge and appropriate usage of immunization services within the North Lawndale community.

In fulfilling its mission, the program does the following: immunization education sessions for parents in schools, WIC agencies, daycare centers, and other community organizations; advertisements in local newspapers and radio stations; church-based health activities including health fairs; incentives to reward parents for up-to-date shots; and distribution of immunization educational materials within community organizations. Also, TOTS, a registry, is used for tracking and data collection and analysis.

Immunization coverage levels have increased since the inception of the program. Up-to-date status was determined for the 3:2:2:2 series for 12 months and the 4:3:1:3:3 series by 24 months. At Kling Pediatrics CASA data shows an increase of immunization rates from 2001 to 2003, increasing from 82% to 90% for UTD at 12 months and 51% to 77% for UTD at 24 months. At Lawndale Plaza Clinic, CASA data shows an increase of immunization rates from 2001 to 2003 increasing from 56% to 83% for UTD at 12 months and 34% to 50% for UTD at 24 months.

The interventions implemented by the North Lawndale Immunization Program have proved to be effective in increasing immunization coverage levels.

Learning Objectives:

• Summarize what interventions have been implemented to improve immunization rates
• Describe what interventions are most effective in increasing immunization coverage in the targeted area,
• Identify future challenges that will impact childhood immunization rates

Keywords: Immunizations, Child Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.