Pediatric influenza immunization in an integrated safety net health care system.

Objective: In 2008 the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that all children aged 6 months to 18 years receive annual influenza vaccine. Full pediatric influenza administration has proven difficult. We compared rates of full influenza immunization between a safety net health care system and CDC sentinel sites and evaluated sociodemographic factors associated with full influenza immunization.

Improving pediatric immunization rates in a safety-net delivery system.

Background: Denver Community Health Services (DCHS)' goal was to increase childhood immunization rates in the high-risk pediatric patient population served through its safety-net delivery system. The specific goal of the initiative was to ensure that children younger than 3 years of age with at least one primary care visit received all recommended vaccines by 24 months of age.

Methods: An immunization registry was developed to accurately track patients, regular assessment of immunization levels were conducted with provision of clinic-specific feedback, and team-based quality improvement meetings were held.