In fact, parent focus groups revealed that, upon provider recommendation , parents would prefer to have their child receive all necessary vaccinations at one visit, rather than return for a subsequent visit. Similarly, parents will often agree to have their child immunized even when the child is mildly ill, if the health care provider advises it. Improve the documentation of immunization history. Establish a systematic method for obtaining and recording immunization history from previous providers. If possible, the immunization history should be recorded on one page, perhaps color-coded, and placed near the front of the medical chart.
Inadequate history creates a barrier to measuring a clinic's immunization rate.
Assess the immunization status of your patients at all clinical encounters, and when indicated, vaccinate. Each encounter with a health care provider represents an opportunity to vaccinate. A very effective method for improving immunization coverage rates is reminding families of when immunizations are due via phone call or postcard, and tracking families who are past due for immunizations. They will be vaccinated against hepatitis B free of charge. All projects include an educational component for students and parents.