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Factors influencing immunization status in primary care clinics
David Page1, Jan Meires, Amy Dailey
1Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, University of Florida Health Science Cente, Jacksonville, USA. dppage@gdph.state.ga.us
Family Medicine
|February 13, 2002
Summary
Semiannual audits and immunization tracking systems significantly improve childhood immunization rates. Implementing these practices can help practices meet national immunization goals for 2-year-olds.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- National childhood immunization coverage goals are established but not consistently met by healthcare providers.
- Physician practices face challenges in achieving optimal immunization rates for young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors influencing immunization status in 2-year-old children within pediatric and family practice settings.
- To analyze the impact of specific practice standards on achieving complete immunization coverage.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective audit of 2,552 immunization records from 42 practices in Northeast Florida (1997-1999).
- Analysis of clinic type and 18 immunization practice standards using multivariate logistic regression.
- Categorization of immunization records as complete or incomplete.
Main Results:
- Semiannual audits (OR=2.00) and immunization tracking systems (OR=1.48) were key factors for complete immunization status.
- Availability of discounted immunizations was associated with lower completion rates (OR=.44).
- Clinic type did not significantly affect immunization status.
Conclusions:
- Implementing semiannual audits and tracking systems can enhance immunization completion rates in family practices.
- Neither pediatric nor family practices consistently met national immunization targets.
- Practice-level interventions, not clinic type, are crucial for improving childhood immunization coverage.