Aiding clinics and private providers in assessing the immunization status of their patients has helped improve coverage rates.  For employers, providing coverage for immunizations and other preventive services can be a cost-effective investment that reduces absenteeism.

But California, its communities, and its health care providers and health plans face important challenges.  The economic downturn is expected to mean reductions in state and local funding for immunization services.  There is concern that nationwide shortages of several vaccines may result in lower immunization coverage rates.  The high cost of new vaccines and the increasing cost of older vaccines are having a major impact on state and local budgets and their vaccine purchasing power. The high cost of vaccines also results in serious financial risk for many private providers who depend on reimbursements to cover the cost of their vaccine purchases.  Workshop discussions suggested numerous future strategies, including better immunization registries and increased support for public health systems.