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REACH 2010: New York City

Effective Strategies for Integrating Immunization Promotion Into Community Programs

Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University in New York, New York, sef5{at}columbia.edu

Martha Sanchez, MA

Northern Manhattan Start Right Coalition, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University in New York, New York

Miriam Mejia, BA

Alianza Dominicana, Inc., in New York, New York

Richard Ferreira, MSW

Health and Wellness Programs, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement in New York, New York

Oscar Pena, JD

New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York, New York

Sergio Matos, BS

Community Health Worker Training and Development, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University in New York, New York

Melissa S. Stockwell, MD, MPH

Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University in New York, New York

Matilde Irigoyen, MD

General Pediatrics Group Practice, New York Presbyterian Hospital

Most immunization coalitions have originated with health care providers, potentially excluding families without medical homes. This study focused on a community-based approach to providing timely vaccinations. A coalition of 23 organizations developed an immunization program in a low-income community in New York City. Nearly 1,000 community health workers incorporated immunization promotion into social service and educational programs. Outcomes were coverage rates for the 4:3:1:3:3 series at 19 to 35 months, which were compared with national data by ethnicity, as reported in the National Immunization Survey 2002-2006. Parents (n = 10,251) of children <5 years received immunization education and reminders. The 2003-2007 rates of 80% equaled or exceeded the national rates for 19- to 35-month-olds, and the 2007 rate of 96.8% far surpassed the national average. Coalitions can effectively integrate immunization promotion activities into community programs. Immunization rate improvements maintained for a 5-year period, suggesting this approach to be sustainable.

Key Words: immunization • vaccination • health disparities • community-based program • REACH 2010

Health Promotion Practice, Vol. 10, No. 2 Suppl, 128S-137S (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1524839909331544


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