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CDC COMMUNITY GUIDE: Universally Recommended Vaccinations: Community-Based Interventions Implemented in Combination

CDC

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

Community-based interventions implemented in combination involve activities coordinated in a community to increase vaccination rates within a targeted population. Activities focus on increasing community demand for vaccinations and enhancing access to vaccination services. Efforts may also include interventions directed at vaccination providers.

Programs usually involve partnerships of community organizations, local government, and vaccination providers. Coordinated interventions may include:
• Client reminder and recall systems
• The use of staff to conduct manual outreach and tracking of clients
• Mass and small media
• Educational activities
• Expanded access to vaccination services

The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends community-based interventions implemented in combination to increase vaccinations in targeted populations, on the basis of strong evidence of effectiveness in increasing vaccination rates.

Results / Accomplishments

The conclusion of strong evidence was based on findings from 18 studies that evaluated coordinated interventions to:
1. Increase community demand
2. Enhance access to vaccination services
3. Reduce missed opportunities by vaccination providers

In 13 of the 18 studies, the community-based effort combined one or more interventions to increase community demand for vaccinations with one or more interventions to enhance access to vaccination services.

The Task Force notes that implementing manual outreach and tracking or home visits can be resource-intensive and costly, relative to other options for increasing vaccination rates. Such interventions should be used only when there is demonstrated need, and resources are available.

About this Promising Practice

Primary Contact
The Community Guide
1600 Clifton Rd, NE
MS E69
Atlanta, GA 30329
(404) 498-1827
communityguide@cdc.gov
https://www.thecommunityguide.org/
Topics
Health / Immunizations & Infectious Diseases
Source
Community Guide Branch Epidemiology and Analysis Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Location
USA
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Teens, Adults
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