Exploring State Childhood Immunization Practices
Abstract
This Applied Research Project is an exploratory study of Texas' immunization policies. The purpose of this research project is threefold. First, is to establish a model approach, based on relevant literature, of model policies that help improve immunization rates in a state. The model approach is referred to as a practical ideal type. The second purpose of this applied research project is to compare the model approach of state immunization policies to the current childhood immunization infrastructure in Texas. The third purpose is to make recommendations for Texas based on the model approach and the results of the data analysis.
Document analysis, content analysis, and an interview were used to collect data and satisfy the research purposes. Texas' immunization infrastructure partially meets the suggestions of the practical ideal type. Texas meets all the requirements for Provider-Based Interventions, and only meets some of the requirements to increase Community Demand and Access to Vaccinations.
Recommendations on how Texas can improve its immunization infrastructure include:
- Texas ImmTrac registry should becomes an "opt-out" registry,
- Texas Legislature should pass legislation to mandate the missing three components of a functional immunization registry,
- Educational materials should include the importance of an up-to-date immunization record,
- School vaccination requirements should meet the ACIP requirements, and
- Texas Legislature should pass legislation that requires insurance coverage for all ACIP-recommended immunizations.
