Simple solutions to complex issues: minimizing disparities in childhood immunization rates by providing walk-in shot clinic access.
The aims of this project were to minimize organizational barriers and increase access to immunizations for children aged 6 months to 21 years in a multiethnic community health center in Honolulu. The intervention consisted of opening a "walk-in" shot clinic (WISC), run by a nurse practitioner, 2 evenings per week and Saturdays. Between January and July 2005, 351 clients accessed the clinic, with 774 immunizations administered. Clinic satisfaction measures were excellent. Up-to-date immunization status for all clients improved significantly. The WISC is an effective and customer-friendly way to improve childhood and adolescent immunization rates in a community health center setting.
Niederhauser
Victoria
V
School of Nursing & Dental Hygiene, Kalihi Palama Health Center, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA. niederha@hawaii.edu
Walters
Michael
M
Ganeko
Robyn
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003258:Consumer Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006254:Hawaii; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D015399:Nursing Research; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors