|
ST. PAUL, Minnesota — Despite the fact that Minnesota
health plans exceed national and regional early childhood
immunization rates, an estimated 20,000 Minnesota 2-year-olds
still go without immunizations each year. A new initiative
called the "Immunization Resource Kit" is aimed
at improving immunizations statewide-and clinics are responding.
Developed by the Minnesota Council of Health Plans' Immunization
Task Force, the Immunization Resource Kit is designed to help
Minnesota health clinics centralize immunization data in individual
patient charts. More than 180 clinics from 109 Minnesota communities
have requested the kit since it was made available in November.
"It's tough for clinics to keep track of immunization
data, especially at the start of the school year," said
Michael Scandrett, executive director of the Minnesota Council
of Health Plans. "By making immunization records more
orderly, the resource kit makes it easier for kids to get
their shots on time."
The kit may also lead to future health improvements. Well-organized
information paves the way to immunization registries-electronic
records that make it easier to track a child's immunization
history. Several Minnesota clinics already participate in
community-based immunization registries.
The Immunization Task Force has launched many efforts to
improve immunizations in Minnesota, including a "birth
packet" currently distributed to all new Minnesota mothers.
The task force developed the Immunization Resource Kit following
a study showing better data was the key to improving immunization
rates. The task force is working with clinics to achieve 90
percent early childhood immunization rates by the Year 2000.
The Immunization Resource Kit is available by calling The
Garrity Group, Inc. at 651-292-8900, or 1-888-989-0447 in
Greater Minnesota.
The Minnesota Council of Health Plans Immunization Task Force
is a public/private partnership including the Minnesota Council
of Health Plans, Minnesota's nonprofit health plans, the Minnesota
Department of Health and county public health organizations.
|
