Childhood Immunizations

Why is this important?

Experts agree that childhood immunizations are essential to the health of a community and the entire country.  The American Academy of Pediatrics publishes guidelines on recommended immunizations for children.  By following these guidelines and making sure that children receive the recommended vaccinations on time, parents can protect them against the most dangerous and common infections.  These immunizations include diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, hepatitis B, chickenpox, measles, mumps, rubella and Haemophilus influenza (a leading cause of meningitis in children).

 

Vaccinations are generally quite safe.  In fact, the protection they provide far outweighs the very small risk of serious problems.

How WellSpan Compares

The physicians of the WellSpan Medical Group closely measure how consistently they provide the basic series of immunizations to all of their pediatric patients.  The following shows the percentage of pediatric patients of the WellSpan Medical Group who have had these immunizations.

Unit of Measurement: Percentage

A higher score is better than a lower score.

What we are doing to improve our performance.

Clinical staff members across all WellSpan primary care sites review immunization records for every patient visit.  This is being done to identify the need for catch-up immunizations or immunizations due that visit.   WellSpan is evaluating each practice’s participation in the Pennsylvania Statewide Immunization Information System.  This will ensure quick and accurate access to immunization information for all pediatric patients.  Pediatric physicians will review the current standard of practice for pediatric immunizations with WellSpan Medical Group physicians.  This is being done in light of many changes in childhood immunizations the last 18 months.   In addition: ·         Through its electronic health record, WellSpan may automatically remind physicians and clinical staff when a preventive service is required for each patient. ·         A Preventive Health Task Force reviews and compiles the most recent recommendations for providing good preventive health services; recommendations are distributed periodically to Medical Group physicians.