Changes in Immunization Program Managers' Perceptions of Programs' Functional Capabilities during and after Vaccine Shortages and pH1N1

Abstract

Objectives. We surveyed U.S. immunization program managers (IPMs) as part of a project to improve public health preparedness against future emergencies by leveraging the immunization system. We examined immunization program policy and Immunization Information System (IIS) functionality changes as a result of the Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine shortage and pandemic influenza A(H1N1) (pH1N1). Evaluating changes in immunization program functionalities and policies following emergency response situations will assist in planning for future vaccine-related emergencies.Methods. We administered three consecutive surveys to IPMs from 64 state, city, and territorial jurisdictions in 2009, 2010, and 2012. We compared IPMs' responses across either two or three years (e.g., changes in response or consistent responses across years) using McNemar's test.Results. Immunization programs maintained increases in functionality related to communication systems with health-care providers during this period. Immunization programs often did not maintain changes to IIS functionalities made from 2009 to 2010 (e.g., identifying high-risk and priority populations, tracking adverse events, and mapping disease risk) in the post-pandemic period (2010)(2011)(2012). About half of IPMs reporting additional IIS functionality in identifying high-risk populations from 2009 to 2010 reported no longer having this function in 2012. There was an 18% decline in respondents reporting geographic information systems risk-mapping capability in IIS from 2010 to 2012.Conclusions. Because of the Hib vaccine shortage and pH1N1, immunization program needs and efforts changed to address evolving situations. The lack of sustained increases in resources or system functions after the pandemic highlights the need for comprehensive, sustainable public health emergency preparedness systems and related resources.

Preparedness and Emergency Response Research Centers: Early Returns on Investment in Evidence-Based Public Health Systems Research

“…Five of the PERRC studies described in this issue use data from one or more of the aforementioned events to model or analyze public health system organization or effectiveness. [7][8][9][10][11] As with all of the PERRC research illustrated in this issue, these articles address one or more of the four research priorities noted in the IOM letter report to CDC. 3 PERRC research also addresses cross-cutting issues for preparedness and response, such as identifying and addressing the unique needs of at-risk populations and rural communities.…”

“…For example, Moriarty et al examine immunization information systems and their utility during pandemic events. 9 Other articles illuminate the social determinants of key system outcomes, such as the factors associated with more effective or comprehensive communication strategies 8 or the institutional factors affecting preparedness planning for at-risk populations. 11 The authors, in addition to exploring systems' design and determining ways in which the systems could be improved or enhanced for future responses, focused on developing models, tools, and other applications to aid in knowledge transfer for real-world outcomes.…”

Vaccination Data When the Outbreak Happens: A Qualitative Evaluation of Oregon’s Rapid Response Tool

“…However, public health resources are constrained, 3 and infrastructure created for a response may be dismantled once an outbreak is over. 4 Therefore, 3 goals for a new tool were identified: (1) make greater use of data, (2) ensure sustainability by using only available resources, and (3) deliver useful data to local responders within 2 hours of notification of an outbreak to complement the longer-term support already provided.…”