Registry-driven, community-based immunization outreach: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effectiveness of registry-driven, community-based outreach directed toward children with immunization delays. METHODS: A sample of 1,856 children aged 6 to 10 months was randomly assigned to receive either outreach or no intervention. RESULTS: Children in the outreach group were more likely to receive an immunization during the observation period than children in the control group (61% vs 43%). Outreach was most effective for children with multiple risks, as measured by their immunization record; it was not effective for children whose mothers had received inadequate prenatal care. CONCLUSIONS: Registry-driven outreach can effectively identify high-risk children and bring them to care.