Inpatient immunization program: eliminating a missed opportunity
Pritchard, M.; Bell, L.M.; Levenson, R.
Pediatric Nursing 21(5): 453-457
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0097-9805 PMID: 8684848 Document Number: 440493
In response to the nation's low immunization rates among preschool-aged children, health care providers need to consider alternate sites as potential opportunities to administer vaccinations. One hospital established a Childhood Immunization Group designed to identify and provide immunizations to hospitalized children, 0-2 years of age. Sixty percent of the over 1,600 children evaluated have required immunizations in which 70% of these were immunized prior to discharge. The integration of primary care with "hospital care" can contribute to improving the immunization rate of preschool-aged children.