Adventist Health recognized for keeping toddlers safe in Parlier

A commitment to keep young children in Parlier safe from life-threatening diseases has earned Adventist Health Medical Office – Parlier praises.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recognized the medical office for outstanding achievement in immunizing its two-year-old patients. The medical office received a Silver seal certificate for achieving a 77% childhood immunization coverage rate for the following vaccines:

• DTaP
• Polio
• MMR
• HiB
• HepB
• Varicella
• PCV

The above vaccines are assessed by the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, administered by the immunization branch of CDPH.

“This is an exceptional achievement for any immunization program,” states a letter from the California VFC Program to Adventist Health Medical Office - Parlier. “Your success demonstrates the tremendous effort your immunization clinic staff is making to provide the highest level of vaccine service delivery.”

The VFC program provides free vaccines to providers and clinics who serve children. Enrolled clinics are eligible for outstanding achievements in immunization if they obtain at least a 70% immunization rate as part of the VFC’s Immunization Quality Improvement for Providers (IQIP) program.

Although the flu vaccine was not among the vaccines assessed for a certificate of achievement, Adventist Health Medical Office – Parlier did increase its influenza vaccination rate among two-year-old patients, as well, from 46% to 65% over a one-year period.

“Our team in Parlier worked diligently to increase vaccination rates among their youngest patients, and it paid off,” Adventist Health in the Central Valley Ambulatory Medical Office Dr. Raul Ayala said. “They planned and implemented strategies such as regularly updating patient call lists to schedule appointments for children due for vaccines and improving and expanding flu vaccine communication to parents at appointments.”

Adventist Health Medical Office – Parlier is the fifth Adventist Health facility to receive a certificate of achievement from the VFC Program. Others include medical offices in Avenal, Huron and Reedley.

PHOTOS: Adventist Health Medical Office – Parlier staff with certificate of achievement, copy of certificate of achievement