HHS gives thumbs up to 2009 school-based pandemic vaccination programs

A recently released Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) report indicates that School-Located Vaccination Programs established during the H1N1 pandemic were an efficient method of distributing the vaccine to children. CIDRAP News described the findings on Friday.

Children and young adults age 6 months-24 years were among the priority groups for vaccination, based on CDC recommendations. According to the report, in November and December 2009, federal officials conducted reviews of 38 school-based clinics throughout six states. HHS researchers assessed the extent of coverage, implementation techniques, and adherence to CDC recommendations.

On average, these school-based programs vaccinated 28% of enrolled students during one-day clinics. This rate compares favorably to state and national data reflecting other methods of vaccine administration, according to the authors of the report.

There were some concerns reported with school-based vaccination. Many of the participating schools described difficulties in processing paperwork, communicating with parents, securing adequate staff, and establishing efficient billing systems. Widespread non-compliance with certain CDC recommendations was also observed, such as monitoring vaccine storage temperature.

Looking forward, the report notes the need to simplify the consent process and refine the distribution of educational materials to parents. Officials concluded that school-based vaccination programs are a practical strategy for vaccine distribution, but that such programs should receive additional official guidance and assistance in planning.

-- Guest post by Laura Backup, Intern at Penn Center for Bioethics