AG 1995 06 05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A. Problem to be Addressed Currently, there is no county-wide system for tracking immunizations in Cabarrus County. While the Health Department tracks patients who receive immunizations through our clinics, the numbers reflect only those immunized though the health department. We have no system for track- ing those who may be receiving immunizations through local private physicians. Likewise, we have no way 0fidentifying those who do not receive any preventive care. This population is likely to seek care at the Hospital Emergency Room, or at an Urgent Care facility, or at the Community Free Clinic, which serves those who do not qualify for Medicaid. There is no system-wide practice for promoting immunizations or referring these patients on to receive age-appropriate immunizations. A demographic shii~ that is occurring statewide is also heavily impacting Cabarms County. That is the rapidly increasing Hispanic population. In 1990 there were seven births of Hispanic Origin. By 1993 that number had risen to thirty-two. The monthly WlC caseload has grown in a similar fashion. In March of 1990 there were three Hispanic clients on WIC. In March of 1995, the WIC program reported 178 clients in their caseload. The school system has also reported a dramatic increase in the number of Hispanic students. The Kannapolis City Schools report that the number of Hispanic students grew from one in the 1989-90 school year, to 12 in the 1990-91 school year. For the current school year they have 71 Hispanic students in attendance. One local employer reports 75% of its workforce, or 600 individuals, is Hispanic. B. Justification of Need Since 1993, the Health Department has taken several measures to improve immunization rates. The Health Department has extended office hours and offered immunizations at several weekend events. Two additional part-time nursing positions have been added to concentrate on delinquent immunizations, tracking, and follow-up. A No Name Tracking System has been imple-' merited for all Health Department patients. The system allows us to track Health Department pa- tients up to age five to remind them of needed immunizations. As mentioned in Part A. This system does not apply to those outside the department. Under the WlC Immunization Demonstration Grant, WlC program clients are now being assessed for age appropriate immunizations and immunized as indicated. Clients of private physi- cians are encouraged to bring their children's shot records with them so that their immunizations may be administered at their WlC appointment. A new laptop computer facilitates the process of checking records when staff are off site. Geographically, Cabarms County borders Mecklenburg, and has become a bedroom eom- munity of Charlotte. Population growth within the county is a steady 15% each census and the 1990 census reported 7,076 citizens under the age of four years. This population is expected to continue at an accelerated pace. Within the community, we are experiencing an influx of physicians. At present we have three pediatric practices and six family practice groups. The expanding medical community further indicates a need to carefully coordinate our immunization tracking efforts. These circumstances indicate a need to determine the local immunization rates and track those who are under-immunized.