Study of Adolescent Immunization Recall Systems

Adolescent Immunization Recall Systems: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine whether contacting the parents of adolescents overdue for routine vaccines or contacting both the parents AND adolescents overdue to routine vaccines improves immunization rates as compared to usual care.

This randomized controlled trial is a 3-armed study designed to evaluate an immunization recall system in adolescents. In the control arm (Group 1), the adolescents will receive usual care, in which they will primarily receive immunizations at annual physical exams, or as recommended by providers at urgent care visits. In one intervention arm (Group 2), the parent/guardian will receive a telephone call informing them that the adolescent is overdue for one or more immunizations (conjugated Neisseria meningitidis (MCV4) vaccine, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) booster, and/or the second varicella (VZV) vaccine). In the second intervention arm (Group 3), both the parent/guardian and the adolescent will receive a telephone call informing them that the adolescent is overdue for one or more immunizations. Immunization rates will be compared between the 3 groups at a four week and a twelve month follow up period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• at least 13 years of age and under 18 years of age
• had a billing code for an annual physical exam in the past 3 years at the Adolescent/Young Adult Medical Practice at Children's Hospital Boston
• immunization record shows one of the following: no tetanus containing vaccine in the previous 5 years; no MCV4 vaccine; and/or has received the 1st VZV vaccine but not the 2nd VZV vaccine and has no documented history of the chicken pox

Exclusion Criteria:

• immunization record shows no vaccines or only influenza vaccines
• sibling enrolled in the study
• in the custody of the Department of Youth Services
• in the custody of the Department of Child and Family Services