Immunization Branch
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Upshot Online – The Immunization Branch Newsletter
Third Quarter 2008
ImmTrac Outreach Specialists Extend ImmTrac Infrastructure and Customer Service Across Texas
Tiffany Guillory, IPOS,
City of Port Arthur Health Department
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By Laura LeBrun, ImmTrac
In September 2006, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) sought to enhance ImmTrac, the Texas immunization registry, infrastructure by creating a new position, the ImmTrac/PICS Outreach Specialist (IPOS). DSHS offered additional funds to local health departments (LHD) to hire for the new position. The primary responsibilities of the IPOS are to conduct outreach to children with incomplete immunization records in ImmTrac and to conduct provider recruitment and education.
Three times each year (September, January, and May), the ImmTrac Group provides IPOS throughout the state with outreach lists that include non-identifiable information on children who reside in the IPOS’ jurisdiction, are between the ages of 19 through 35 months, and are not up-to-date on their immunizations. (read more of the ImmTrac article)
Survey reveals increase in 4th DTaP vaccine awareness at 15-18 months
By Alma Lydia Thompson, Public Information, Education, and Training
Awareness that vaccines are due at 15-18 months increased from 30% to 41% in four markets, Dallas/Ft. Worth, El Paso, Houston, and San Antonio. The results are from a survey conducted on the effects of the fall 2007 Immunization Campaign.
DSHS contracted with a research agency, SUMA/Orchard Social Marketing, to conduct a survey to determine a change in immunization awareness and, in particular, 4th DTaP awareness levels among the target audience, women ages 18-34.
The campaign focused on building immunity, promoted the recommended immunization schedule, and emphasized the 4th DTaP at 15-18 months of age. (read more of the Survey Article)
2008 UpShot Online Quarter 3 Home