History of the IEP
"Immunization - it's a team effort!" The PA AAP Immunization Program is a collaboration between the PA Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics; Philadelphia Department of Public Health; PA Academy of Family Physicians; and PA Osteopathic Medical Society.
The Pennsylvania Immunization Education Program started in 1996 with the mission of improving pediatric immunization rates in the private practice setting in Pennsylvania. The program was funded by the PA Department of Health from 1996 through June, 2008. The program is continuing with funding from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and donations.
The IEP was planned during 1996, with the first on-site educational program conducted by Dr. Barbara Watson in Philadelphia in January, 1997. Since that time, the IEP has broadened its program content to include immunization across the lifespan; vaccine safety; anthrax, rotavirus, human papilloma virus, pneumococcal and meningococcal conjugate, and Tdap vaccines; storage and handling; immunization of international adoptees, coping with vaccine shortages, immunization registries, and the Immunization Champion concept.
The programs help practices identify practical changes they can make to improve their immunization services. Follow-up after each program provides evaluation data and additional assistance for practices. A constant throughout the IEP has been a team approach as we recognize that many people contribute to successful immunization programs. Input on IEP program content and activities is obtained from a variety of people through an Advisory Group which convenes yearly, and a staff which has monthly meetings.
