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A program to immunize hospitalized preschool-aged children: evaluation and impact
L M Bell1, M Pritchard, R Anderko
1Divisions of Immunologic and Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, USA.
Pediatrics
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Hospitalization offers a key opportunity to improve childhood immunization rates. An urban hospital immunization program significantly increased vaccination coverage from 44% on admission to 70% at discharge for young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health
- Immunization Practices
Background:
- Childhood immunization is crucial for preventing infectious diseases.
- Hospitalization presents a unique opportunity to address under-immunization in children.
- Urban settings often face challenges with high rates of under-immunized children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the immunization status of hospitalized preschool-aged children in an urban area.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an immunization program for under-immunized hospitalized children (0-2 years).
- To integrate immunization into routine care for hospitalized children.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of immunization status in hospitalized children aged 0-2 years.
- Verification of immunization records via primary care providers (PCPs).
- Administration of needed vaccines during hospitalization and notification of PCPs.
Main Results:
- Of 2006 evaluated children, 49% were fully immunized on admission; 51% were eligible for vaccination.
- 18% of children had immunizations delayed by 2+ months.
- Vaccination coverage increased significantly from 44% on admission to 70% on discharge.
Conclusions:
- An immunization program during hospitalization significantly improved vaccination rates in urban preschool children.
- Hospitalization is a valuable opportunity to increase immunization coverage in under-immunized urban populations.
- The program facilitated education for families and healthcare providers and strengthened PCP linkages.