IMMUNIZATION REGISTRIES - PROVIDER RECRUITMENT AND PARTICIPATION

The success of an immunization registry requires inclusion of all immu nization providers (public and private) within the defined community, as well as the active participation of these providers. This article s hows how two different community-based All Kids Count sites gained the support of their health care provider community for their Pediatric R egistry. The site in Snohomish and King counties represents a large ur ban area (Seattle) in Washington State, and the Savannah, Chatham Coun ty, site represents a medium-sized city in Georgia. Each site develope d its marketing approach differently, reflecting an understanding of t he uniqueness of its community. Yet both sites included similar proced ures that are deemed necessary for a successful registry. One necessar y process is assessment of the provider practices, including computer hardware, office layout, computer literacy level of both medical staff and office staff, the need for training programs and staff support, a nd the need to be flexible and fit easily into existing systems. Effor ts to secure a successful immunization registry are dependent upon car eful planning involving representatives of the entire community. It is clear that the lessons learned at the Snohomish and King counties sit e and the Savannah, Chatham County, site can be applied to the many ne wly emerging community and statewide immunization registries.