Strengthening Vaccine-Preventable Disease Prevention and Response - The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) is committed to increasing immunization rates, improving vaccine accessibility, and reducing statewide disparities through data-driven strategies and targeted outreach. Indiana faces ongoing challenges in achieving optimal vaccination coverage due to socioeconomic barriers, rural access issues, and vaccine hesitancy. This project aims to enhance immunization infrastructure, strengthen provider engagement, and implement community-focused interventions to improve vaccination uptake among all populations, including infants, school-aged children, and adults. Key initiatives include expanding the Vaccine Replacement Model to increase RSV and Hepatitis B vaccinations at birthing hospitals, strengthening school immunization efforts through the Start Smart Back to School campaign, and expanding the adult vaccination provider network. The project will also integrate technological enhancements, such as improving the Immunization Information System (IIS) to ensure timely and accurate reporting. Additionally, targeted efforts will be made to address vaccine disparities in underserved communities, including Amish populations and Native American tribes, by working with trusted healthcare partners. The program will employ evidence-based approaches to improve vaccination rates, including reminder recall campaigns, provider assessment reports, and public awareness initiatives. Through strategic partnerships with healthcare providers, pharmacies, community vaccinators, and educational institutions, IDOH aims to increase vaccine access points and ensure compliance with immunization requirements. Evaluation measures will include performance tracking using CHIRP, National Immunization Survey data, and provider compliance assessments to refine and enhance program outcomes continuously. By implementing these initiatives, IDOH seeks to increase childhood immunization rates, improve adolescent and adult vaccine uptake, and reduce vaccine-preventable diseases across Indiana. The anticipated outcomes include a 5-10% increase in statewide immunization coverage, strengthened public confidence in vaccines, and improved vaccine equity through targeted interventions. This project will reinforce Indiana’s immunization infrastructure, ensuring all Hoosiers have access to life-saving vaccines and supporting the long-term goal of reducing the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases statewide.
