This report, co-authored by Kimberley Fox and Carolyn Gray, provides a final evaluation of the initial phase of First STEPS (Strengthening Together Early Preventive Services), a learning collaborative led by Maine Quality Counts to support 24 pediatric and family practices in improving their childhood immunization rates. The evaluation found that all participating practices had higher immunization rates after participating in First STEPS. On average, overall child immunization rates increased by 5.1% at 12 months and 7.1% at 15 months, and average immunization rates across practices increased significantly from 74.2% to 81.3%. Practices also reported significant improvement in the use of recommended office practices, including staff training, recall/reminder procedures, and the use of data/registries.

This work was conducted under a Cooperative Agreement between the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine and is funded under grant CFDA 93.767 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) authorized by Section 401(d) of the Child Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA). These contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

Suggested citation: Fox K, Gray C. Improving Health Outcomes for Children (IHOC) First STEPS Phase I Initiative: Improving Immunizations for Children and Adolescents. (Final Evaluation Report).  Portland, ME: University fof Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service; March 2013.