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Oregon Immunization Surveillance and Evaluation
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A variey of surveillance and evaluation is conducted by the Oregon Immunization Program to help us focus on our goal to protect Oregonians from vaccine-preventable diseases.


Oregon Immunization Rates
Making Heads and Tails of Immunization Measures

We use immunizations as a building block for preventive care, yet how do we measure our success or identify challenges? Three good methods are available for measuring rates in Oregon, with respective roles and caveats: Oregon countywide population-based rates from ALERT; national population-based survey rates from the National Immunization Survey (NIS); and Oregon clinic-specific rates from ALERT.


Oregon Population-Based Rates (PBR) 

Why are PBRs important?

ALERT registry data provide a great starting point for assessing population-based rates in Oregon because the registry is so well populated; over 85% of immunization providers in Oregon are reporting some data to ALERT. However challenges to producing accurate coverage rates based on incomplete registry data include the effect of early child mobility (children moving into and out of the state and county) and incomplete or non-existent reporting to the ALERT registry by some Oregon providers and hospitals. The Immunization Program developed a methodology using standard demographic tools, ALERT registry data, and mobility data, to determine countywide rates for two-year-olds. These estimates allow for comparisons among counties because the entire population is assessed so the numbers are strong, and adjustments have been made for biases due to poor reporting or movement of children.

Click on a county below to view a PDF file containing the county's rates. Or view all of Oregon's statewide immunization rates.


countymap  Link to Clatsop County InformationLink to Columbia County Clinic InformationLink to Clackamas County InformationLink to Malheur County InformationLink to Multnomah County InformationLink to Jackson County InformationLink to Klamath County InformationLink to Lake County Clinic InformationLink to Harney County InformationLink to Washington County InformationLink to Tillamook County InformationLink to Yamhill County InformationLink to Marion County InformationLink to Polk County Clinic InformationLink to Lincoln County InformationLink to Benton County Clinic InformationLink to Linn County Clinic InformationLink to Hood River County Clinic InformationLink to Wasco County Clinic InformationLink to Sherman County Clinic InformationLink to Gilliam County Clinic InformationLink to Morrow County Clinic InformationLink to Umatilla County Clinic InformationLink to Wallowa County Clinic InformationLink to Union County Clinic InformationLink to Baker County Clinic InformationLink to Grant County Clinic InformationLink to Wheeler County Clinic InformationLink to Jefferson County Clinic InformationLink to Lane County Clinic InformationLink to Douglas County Clinic InformationLink to Coos County Clinic InformationLink to Curry County Clinic InformationLink to Josephine County Clinic InformationLink to Deschutes County Clinic InformationLink to Crook County Clinic Information

Interested in seeing your county's rates by census tract? Call the Oregon Immunization Program (971-673-0300) to make a request.

Oregon Population-based Rates FAQs 



Adult Rate Information

Influenza Vaccination Rates among Health Care Workers, Oregon, 2008

Persons who work
in a health care facility

Persons with direct
patient contact

In past 12 months
Flu shot received

51.9%

49.4%

FluMist received

1 .0%

1.3%

Source: 2008 Oregon BRFSS



Adults over 65

Oregon Influenza and Pneumococcal  Vaccination Rates for Adults ≥ 65 Years



The National Immunization Survey (NIS)

The NIS is a phone survey of families of young children and their healthcare providers, collecting immunization data to determine coverage rates nationwide. The NIS is a useful tool to monitor immunization trends over time for each state, and to detect changes in coverage levels among states. The NIS surveys approximately 200-400 families, which allows for state-to-state comparisons and state trending over time, however it does not allow for any estimates of sub-populations in Oregon, such as county rates.

4:3:1:3:3:1 Vaccine Series-

4 Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis
3 Polio
1 Measles/Mumps/Rubella
3 Hib
3 Hepatitis B
1 Varicella


New 2008 data now available.



AFIX

In Oregon, the Immunization Program uses ALERT data to measure rates for children served at a specific clinic. This clinic assessment provides immunization rates and other related measures that help a clinic evaluate their practices and track improvements over time. It is a quality improvement tool for clinics interested in using data to improve practice.  Click here  for more information on AFIX.




Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)

Before vaccines are licensed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires manufacturers to conduct extensive safety testing. Although careful studies are done before a vaccine is licensed, some rare side effects, or adverse events, may not be detected. After a vaccine is licensed, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitor vaccine safety through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). VAERS is a passive surveillance system that receives reports from healthcare providers, patients, parents, and others on adverse events occurring after vaccination.

However, not all events reported to VAERS are caused by the vaccine. Thus, VAERS data should be interpreted with caution. Some adverse events occurring after vaccination are attributed to a previous underlying condition or illness, other medications, or mere coincidence. If a case looks as though a vaccine might have caused an adverse event, the CDC will investigate it further.

In 2008, VAERS data was release to the public for the first time, allowing the Oregon Immunization Program to monitor Oregon VAERS reports.

More information on VAERS can be found on the CDC website.


For more information on Oregon VAERS, please contact:

Scott Jeffries
Immunization Research Analyst
Telephone: (971) 673-0316
E-mail:  scott.r.jeffries@state.or.us

Past Studies  

Ashland Community Vaccination Survey

Religious Exemptions to Oregon School Immunization Requirements


2004 - 2005 Flu Vaccine Shortage Evaluation







 

For additional information, please contact:
Immunization Program
Oregon Health Authority
Public Health Division
(971) 673-0300