Immunizations Protect Children
By Nancy Ruggiero, RN, MS, Region IIa Health Specialist, Technical Assistance Support Center, New York, NY
The decline of infectious diseases through widespread use of immunization has been one of the most dramatic and notable recent advances in the practice of pediatrics. Complete, age-appropriate immunization has been linked to preventing disease, disability, and death, and public health officials are eager to illustrate cost saving comparisons. For example, it is estimated that for every dollar spent on childhood immunization a $9 savings is realized in direct medical costs.
Despite recognition of the value of childhood immunization, however, some children are under-immunized. To address this public health challenge, head Start has played an important and pivotal role in ensuring complete immunization for all enrolled children.
This has been achieved primarily through collaborative efforts with community, private, and public health and human service agencies, as well as through community wide initiatives to increase awareness of the importance of vaccinating preschool children.
The importance of the role of the Head Start Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) in advocating for family health cannot be underestimated in considering successful immunization collaboration efforts. Local, private health departments and/or managed health care representatives who serve on HSAC's can provide welcome advocacy for Head Start programs and families. HSAC members collectively can support local immunization initiatives and share common goals.
Head Start health staff can also provide advocacy for parents by obtaining the necessary appointments with health care providers who provide immunizations for Head Start children. Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) sites may integrate immunization efforts with traditional WIC visits. For example, a local WIC initiative in Region IIa involved escorting children to nearby pediatric clinics for immunization and increasing WIC visits until all recommended immunizations were complete. Similar incentive programs have been adopted by other local child care providers.
While Head Start programs have always worked successfully with traditional health and human service agencies, as many States convert to statewide Medicaid managed care programs new challenges now emerge. It is, therefore, incumbent on Head Start staff to continue the role of advocacy for families who wish to obtain health care through managed care systems. Knowing the market and clarifying managed care options can assist families in making wise health care choices. Immunization compliance is just one measure of successful primary and preventive health practices, and the immunization status of a population is reflective of the community's commitment to preventive public health efforts.