In the spring of 2013, the NENCPPH identified Vaccine-Preventable diseases as a priority health indicator to address. An initial Regional Immunization Workgroup was held for local health department staff involved with immunizations in the fall of 2013.
The Regional Immunization Consultants from the Division of Public Health (DPH) were invited to attend and share with the group regional data on vaccines, and possible strategies for increasing coverage rates. Barriers to immunizing all age groups were also discussed.
On the group’s recommendation to meet again, the NENCPPH set up a Regional Immunization Conference to include the local health department staff, as well as staff from private providers offices in the spring of 2014. Based on suggested topics from participants, the Regional Immunization Consultants from DPH presented information to the participants on adolescent immunizations, visits from the State, and possible regional strategies. CME credit was provided to those who attended.
In the summer and fall of 2014 and again in June 2015 representatives from the local health departments and the State met again to further discuss immunization coverage, successes, and barriers. Regional Goals and objectives and possible regional initiatives were identified and a workgroup formed to further plan for the implementation and funding of the selected initiatives. The regional goal identified was: to increase the vaccination rates of 12-24 month-olds by 2% by one year from project initiation both at the county and regional level.” The initiatives recommended were immunization education and an opportunity for one’s name to be entered into a drawing if their child is fully immunized.