Parents and children are busier than ever these days, and it can be difficult to carve time out of the weekly routine to make an additional doctor’s appointment and bring the family in to get vaccinated. Unfortunately, this leads to many cases of illness that could otherwise have been prevented. But what can be done to help parents make time to ensure that their families are protected?
A group of researchers from the University of Michigan set out to study the question. By collaborating with the Michigan Department of Community Health, the study group found that by using the Michigan Care Improvement Registry – a public health database that tracks immunizations in the state – to track those who had not received the vaccine and send reminders to their households, more people could be encouraged to get vaccinated. Their findings were published in the Nov. 14 issue of the American Journal of Public Health.
In testing their theories, the university researchers looked at the events that occurred around the H1N1 pandemic during the 2009-2010 flu season, and began by tracking the progress of the MDCH’s statewide influenza vaccine reminder campaign. Reminder letters were sent to parents of children who were known to have chronic health conditions like asthma or diabetes who had not yet received the recommended shot.
The MDCH selected these families to receive the letters, citing that children who are affected by these types of chronic conditions also had an increased risk of experiencing more severe complications from H1N1 influenza. Because of this, the state organization recommended that parents see their child’s regular health care provider or a local health department in order to make an appointment to get the vaccination.
In studying the vaccination records for the 2009-2010 flu season, researchers were able to determine that late vaccination rates for children who received the reminder letters were much higher than those for children without chronic conditions, who didn’t receive the letters.
“Immunization registries like MCIR are important public health tools. This study shows the value of using immunization registries to prompt parents of children with a chronic condition to get that child vaccinated,” explained Kevin Dombkowski, research associate professor with the University of Michigan’s Child Health Evaluation and Research Unit.
What does this mean for the future?
Dombkowski said that this study was an important one for determining how the state of Michigan, and the entire country, might move forward with pandemic protection. By using these reminder letters, public health officials can do their part to help remind parents of important vaccinations for serious and even potentially life-threatening viruses.
The letters, which were sent exclusively to the parents of children with serious chronic conditions in the 2009-2010 flu season, could be used to help all children and even adults who have not received their vaccinations. While the costs of such a program may once have been considered, options such as text messaging and email distribution have made them less prohibitive. According to Dombkowski, the MDCH has made a significant investment of both time and resources maintaining the MCIR, making it one of the most effective immunization registries in the country, able to serve as a model for other states.
Even with a vaccination, contracting the flu is still possible. Parents whose children do get the virus should contact their child’s health care professional as soon as possible for treatment. Treating the flu early can help prevent complication.
FLAVORX makes medicinal flavorings that can help children take their medicine. Ask your pharmacist how to get FLAVORx for your child.
