Effect of an Innovative Immunization Schedule on Immunization Coverage Rates Among Oklahoma Vaccines for Children Providers

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the OK by One (OBO) immunization schedule on immunization coverage rates pre- and post-exposure among Oklahoma Vaccines for Children providers. The study attempted to answer the following research questions: (a) did the introduction of the OBO Schedule make a difference in the coverage rates; (b) what other factors may have an influence on coverage rates such as the type of provider practice, the provider's use and application of vaccine contraindications, and the provider's use of combination vaccines; and (c) did the communication methods used facilitate an effective adoption rate among providers. The study design was a post priori non-equivalent pre-post test group. Immunization data was collected from the Oklahoma Immunization Information System for the period pre - and post - OBO implementation for each provider practice. Data from a provider practice questionnaire were also analyzed to identify providers' vaccination practices which may influence immunization coverage rates. The results showed the difference in mean immunization coverage rate was statistically significant after the introduction of the OBO Schedule. Other factors that were identified to influence immunization coverage rates were the extent that provider practices used the immunization registry and the maximum number of injections given during a single visit. The study demonstrated that the introduction of a tool such as the OBO schedule can change providers' practices regarding the administration of routinely recommended vaccines, resulting in the timely completion of vaccinations by age two.