In May 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the launch of a new immunization quality improvement program. The program, known as Immunization Quality Improvement for Providers (IQIP), replaces the existing Assessment, Feedback, Incentives, and eXchange (AFIX) program as of July 1, 2019. As the CDC explains:
“The purpose of IQIP is to promote and support the implementation of provider-level immunization quality improvement strategies designed to increase vaccine uptake among children and adolescents in adherence to the routine schedule recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). IQIP provides technical assistance to providers to support three core quality improvement strategies plus one optional custom quality improvement strategy developed at the immunization program level to advance local priorities.”
The three “core quality improvement strategies” to be implemented under IQIP are: (i) scheduling patients’ next immunizations before they leave their doctor’s office; (ii) leveraging the CDC’s Immunization Information Systems (IIS) to promote safe immunization practices; and, (iii) promoting the CDC’s recommended vaccination schedules.
The IIS is a series of databases that record all immunizations administered by participating health care providers. According to the CDC, “By two years of age, over 20% of the children in the U.S. . . . have seen more than one healthcare provider, resulting in scattered paper medical records.” The goal of the IIS (and now IQIP) is to help ensure that children receive the vaccinations they need without missing immunizations simply as a result of poor recordkeeping.
Other CDC Immunization Quality Programs
In addition to IQIP and IIS, the CDC administers a number of other programs focused on promoting vaccine safety and effectiveness. Another recent example is the CDC’s “Know the Site and Get it Right” campaign, which encourages all health care providers to follow the clearly-established protocols for proper intramuscular and subcutaneous vaccine administration. Errors during vaccine administration are among the leading causes of vaccine-related injuries, with recent data indicating that half of all claims filed under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) involve shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA).
More information on other programs is available through the CDC’s website.
Understanding the Risks of Vaccination Errors
Due to the risk of SIRVA and other vaccine-related injuries and illnesses, programs like IQIP and “Know the Site and Get it Right” are extremely important. Many of these injuries and illnesses can have lasting effects, and some vaccine recipients will never fully recover from the unintended consequences of their vaccinations. For individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries and illnesses, there is another important program to be aware of as well: the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP pays no-fault compensation and affords no-cost legal representation to individuals who have been harmed by their immunizations. Learn more about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
Speak with a National Vaccine Lawyer for Free
Our firm provides nationwide legal representation for individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. If you have been harmed by an immunization and would like to speak with a lawyer, you can call 202-800-1711 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Leah Durant Bio
Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and the other attorneys in her firm represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.