Saskatchewan Ministry of Health

Project Title: Done by 2: Improving Equity in Immunization Coverage Rates of Underserved and Vulnerable Populations in Saskatchewan
Funding Recipient: Saskatchewan Ministry of Health
Project Contact: Rosalie Tuchscherer (Rosalie.Tuchscherer@health.gov.sk.ca)
Project Period: TBD – March 31, 2021

About the project

This project is an expansion of the “Done by 2” program, implemented in Saskatoon in 2007, in to the former Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR) and the former Prince Albert Parkland Health Region (PAPHR).  “Done by 2” is an intervention that involves use of an electronic immunization reminder system by community program builders (CPBs) to remind clients (parents/guardians with preschool children) that their children are overdue for immunizations and should book appointments.

Goal

The goal of the project is to increase childhood vaccination rates in Regina and Prince Albert, particularly among vulnerable populations and to improve vaccination surveillance data.

Objectives

1. Implement an electronic database and reminder system that proactively reminds parents/guardians of immunization schedules and to make appointments for their children

2. Engage CPB to provide support and services to reduce client barriers to accessing immunization services

3. Document the process and delivery context to draw lessons for potential scale up and sustainability within the Saskatchewan public health system  

Outcomes

• Short Term:
  • Increased awareness of the Done by 2 program among and community-based organizations that support families with young children and their clients.
  • Development of culturally appropriate client services and resources.
  • Data gathered regarding knowledge, attitudes and barriers to immunization among clients.
  • Improved understanding of the accessibility and capacity of existing vaccination services.
• Medium Term:

  • Measureable decreases in the percentage of clients overdue for vaccinations.

  • Measureable increase in the percentage of overdue clients who receive their vaccinations.

  • Measurable decrease in the percentage of missed appointments.

  • Measurable decrease in the number of client-perceived barriers to accessing vaccination services.

  • Improved understanding /knowledge of the benefits of vaccination and awareness of the provincial immunization schedule.

• Long Term:

  • Reduced disparity of vaccination coverage rates between low and high risk neighbourhoods.

  • By 2025, 95% of children residing in Regina and Prince Albert will be up to date on publicly funded vaccines by ages 2 & 7, as per Panorama data, thereby meeting provincial vaccination goals.   

  • High vaccination coverage rates will lead to reduced rates of vaccine-preventable disease and related hospitalizations, morbidity and mortality annually in Saskatchewan.

  • Ongoing collaboration with stakeholders will be maintained to provide integrated, client centred and evidence based care and immunization services.

The challenge that the project addresses

Although Saskatchewan public health is now able to produce provincial and area vaccination coverage rate reports from Panorama; the level of detail provided is insufficient to inform an understanding of  who the under or un-vaccinated children are, the barriers that these groups face, the challenges to improving immunization coverage for these children, and progress in doing so.  Coverage rates speak to the need to explore the root cause of our immunization inequities and the under and un- vaccinated population as a whole to reduce barriers and, ultimately, increase immunization rates.

This project will assist public health in identifying pockets or sub populations where coverage may be low and then to target future interventions as needed.

About the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health strives to improve the quality, and accessibility of publicly funded and publicly administered health care in Saskatchewan.  Through leadership and partnership, the Ministry is dedicated to achieving a responsive, integrated and efficient healthcare system that puts the patient first, and enables people to achieve their best possible health by promoting healthy choices and responsible self-care.  The Ministry of Health is committed to a health system that puts patients first by providing Better Health, Better Care, Better Value, and Better Teams for Saskatchewan people.

Through the Population Health Branch, the Ministry, is responsible for the publicly funded immunization program for Saskatchewan and manages the supply and distribution of vaccine products to the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and First Nations Health Jurisdictions for administration.

The Population Health Branch uses a population health approach to prevent disease and protect the health of communities, families and individuals by supporting the Provincial Health Authority and service partners through: funding; strategy development; policy development & implementation; guidance; and setting and reporting on accountabilities.