Community empowerment to reduce childhood immunization disparities in New York City

This paper reports on the impact of the community-based Start Right program on childhood immunization coverage in 2 communities of color in New York City. Fully launched in 2002, Start Right operates through the major social service programs of its 23 member organizations. Immunization promotion strategies are based on the following guiding principles: community leadership; integration with community programs; parental empowerment; peer health educators; tracking and feedback; and linkage with health providers. By September 2003, 2,433 children under age 5 years (14% of that age group in the community) were enrolled in Start Right. The rates for the cohort of children enrolled in 2003 were substantially higher than for those enrolled in 2002. Among the 2003 cohort of 19- to 35-month-old children, the coverage rate was 88%, significantly more than national rates: 75% for total population, 68% for African Americans, and 73% for Hispanics. The rate for our 2003 enrollment cohort exceeded the rate for New York City (78%) but did not exceed the New York City average for Hispanics (79%). Of the 2003 enrollment cohort, the Washington Heights children had the highest rates for enrollment (89.6%), exceeding New York City rates. Parents reported a high level of satisfaction with the program.