Westchester County continues to work with physicians to help them improve rates of childhood immunizations.  A Provider-Based Immunization Initiative involves site visits to private physician practices to conduct immunization record assessments and educate providers about improving immunization practices. 

 Suggestions to improve immunization practices generally include chart organization, ease of information retrieval, reminder/recall/tracking mechanisms and the appropriate use of Vaccine Information  Sheets.  The most current information regarding new vaccine recommendations and proper vaccine storage, handling and safety is also provided.

While 93 percent of children are fully immunized against childhood diseases by the time they enter school, approximately 22 percent of New York's two-year olds remain under-immunized.  Many of these children are considered the most difficult to reach.   

Westchester County is now part of the New York State Immunization Registry, a confidential, population-based, computerized database serving all New York State counties.  We are currently working with county medical providers to disseminate information on this important new health initiative.

Immunization records of WIC participants are reviewed at the time of certification and recertification to determine whether they are up-to-date or if referral for immunization is necessary.

 

Click here for the 2007 Recommended Immunization Schedule and the Catch-up Immunization Schedule