Kentucky Head Start Sibling Immunization Program
By Harry, W Bickel, Jr, DDS, Health Specialist, Region IV-B TA SC, Training & Technical Assistance Services, Bowling Green, KY
In the Fall of 1995, Head Start programs throughout Kentucky implemented a pilot project that addressed the immunization needs of the younger siblings of Head Start enrollees.
At the request of the Kentucky Head Start Association's Health Advisory Committee, a set of guidelines was developed to ensure that all programs would be approaching the problem in the same manner. Basically, the guidelines are the same as for Head Start enrollees.
Guidelines for the Kentucky Head Start Sibling Immunization Program> The program shall have a system of collecting, recording, and tracking the immunization status of all younger siblings of Head Start enrollees. The system may be a manual one or a computer program.
> During enrollment or at the beginning of the school year, the program shall determine the immunization status of all younger siblings of Head Start enrollees,
> During the first 90 days of the school year the program shall notify, in writing, any parent with a younger child who requires additional immunizations.
> Throughout the school year, on a monthly basis, the program shall notify any parent who has a younger child who will require additional immunizations during the next month.
> At the end of the school year, the program shall notify all parents of the next immunization dates for the Head Start enrollee and all younger siblings.
> During the school year, the program shall, if necessary, arrange or provide any transportation required to ensure that the sibling immunizations are completed.
> During the school year, the program shall, if necessary, pay for any immunizations of younger siblings out of program funds.
> At the end of the school year, the program shall issue a report that contains the following information:
- The total number of younger siblings of Head Start enrollees.
- The number of younger siblings whose immunization status is current.
- The number of younger siblings whose immunization status is not current.
- An estimate of the cost to the program, in both time and money, of tracking and following up on sibling immunizations.
- A list of problems encountered in carrying out the Sibling Immunization Program.
Weld County, Colorado, Immunization Coalition
By Dixie Hansen, Health Coordinator, Family Education Net work of Weld County,
Greeley, Co
The goal of the Weld County Children's Immunization Coalition of Colorado is to have 90% of its 2-year-olds immunized in 1996.
The Weld County Head Start program is actively involved with the coalition and, as a result, has formed effective collaborations with local immunization providers.
To continue to provide high standards of quality service to Head Start children and families, and maintain good working relations with providers, the coalition has committed itself to the following:
The coalition meets monthly and has representatives from agencies such as the Weld County Health Department, the Colorado Department of Health and Epidemiology, and the Colorado Department of Social Services.
- Educating people on appropriate immunizations for children under the age of 2;
- Maintaining a tracking system to educate providers on the merits of participation;
- Determining barriers and working to overcome them; and
- Maximizing participation of community resources by maintaining current coalition membership.