Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.)

School

Health Services

Advisor

Steve Meigs

Abstract

In the United States, the total cost for vaccine preventable diseases was $8.95 billion in 2015. The unvaccinated accounted for 80% of the total costs. This quantitative study was conducted to investigate the success and/or gaps in the implementation of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine through the Vaccine for Children (VFC) Program by the Ohio Department of Health. General systems theory was chosen as a theoretical framework due to the complicated nature of the healthcare system. Healthcare is a complex system composed of multidisciplinary units that have their own structure and purpose that interact to accomplish the mission and goals of the entire system. The data were obtained from the CDC and originated from telephone surveys conducted by the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the VFC Program, the Women, Infants, and Children Program, and the vaccine rates of children 0- 35-months old. The analysis revealed that a significant relationship between these variables could not be determined based on the findings. Often the programs designed to improve vaccine rates are not tailored to the needs of every environment or community. It is recommended that immunization program strategies be designed and focused to fit the needs of the community. Organizational partnerships that strive to address the mortality and morbidity issues in infants and children, as well as the disparities their families might suffer, have proven to be more successful in efforts to improve vaccine rates. Strict collection and reporting guidelines for all agencies participating in immunization programs should be a priority which will result in positive social change.

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