Immunization and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
The IHS National Immunization Program represents a longstanding partnership between IHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to effectively support and strengthen IHS and Tribal immunization programs across the country. Some IHS National Immunization Program staff are assigned from the CDC Immunization Services Division, and each IHS Area also has a designated Immunization Coordinator to champion immunization-related initiatives regionally.
Our purpose is to protect AI/AN people from vaccine-preventable diseases by achieving and sustaining high immunization coverage levels. We work to achieve this overarching goal through four strategic approaches:
- Education and Training
- Vaccine Access and Delivery
- Surveillance and Monitoring
- Partnerships
Activities
DEPD provides subject matter expertise and technical assistance to IHS, CDC, Tribes, IHS/Tribal/Urban Indian (I/T/U) health facilities, state immunization programs, Tribal epidemiology centers, Indian health boards, and other partners to support the delivery of immunizations to AI/AN people.
Our principle activities include:
- Technical assistance.
- Customer service.
- Education and training to key partners, including providers, I/T/U facilities, and Tribal communities.
- Monitoring and reporting vaccine coverage.
- Developing, maintaining, and expanding internal and external partnerships.
- Supporting the development of immunization-related software supporting the IHS Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) electronic health record.
- Maintaining/raising awareness of and implementing current recommendations regarding immunization practices.
