Programa de Vacunas para Niños
In the U.S., a primary mechanism for achieving access to childhood immunizations is the VFC program. VFC relies upon the existing system of healthcare providers, including private pediatricians and family practitioners, in addition to specialized providers such as Community Health Centers (CHCs). Therefore, recruiting and retaining as many of these healthcare providers as possible is essential to VFC’s success, to maintaining a high childhood immunization rate, and by extension to overall primary care access. In addition, the existence of a robust system to administer vaccines to children is essential to the use of vaccines in response to a health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Las vacunas impulsan la atención primaria
Appointments for routine childhood immunizations are the major driver of primary care utilization for young children, and access to primary care is a major social determinant of health and is particularly important during early childhood. Therefore, the availability or distribution of childhood immunizations magnify impacts on health broadly, beyond the already crucial importance of vaccines themselves.
Intervenciones a nivel de sistema
TAPI’s primary approach to vaccine acces is to support immunizing offices and clinics, so that children have access to primary care and life saving vaccines close to home. In recent years, policy changes in the VFC program have made it harder for community and rural offices to carry vaccines. As a result, TAPI works through partnerships to monitor regional coverage rates and mobilize safety-net partners to bring clinics to underserved communities.
Esfuerzos para ponerse al día con la vacunación infantil
Clínicas comunitarias en áreas con escasez de servicios médicos
Trabajar con fundaciones privadas, escuelas, planes de salud y agencias estatales y locales para realizar clínicas de recuperación en comunidades donde los departamentos de salud del condado son los principales inmunizadores, llenando así una brecha en el acceso a la inmunización infantil.
- Programas realizados en comunidades de bajos ingresos y con escasos servicios médicos en el condado de Maricopa
- Se están desarrollando clínicas en los condados de Mohave, La Paz y Coconino, donde el acceso a las vacunas enfrenta barreras geográficas y de proveedores
- Monitoreo continuo de áreas que experimentan desiertos de vacunas para coordinar clínicas de extensión escolar y de proveedores
- Facilitar la respuesta de las agencias públicas y privadas