Discussion: Public Health Informatics
Prompts:
The vaccine registry in Texas (ImmTrac) brings together information submitted by physician offices, hospitals, and public health departments when they provide immunizations. These individual records are aggregated to give us a picture of the overall number of children who have been vaccinated in the State of Texas and the nation. Families can opt out of getting vaccinations for children by submitting a conscientious exemption, typically for religious reasons. This information can be very valuable during outbreaks of illness. Knowing where pockets of unvaccinated children live can help the Department of State Health Services focus their efforts. While vaccines are very safe, in rare instances there are adverse events. Because vaccines are often required to participate in public events (like school) it is important to continue to ensure their safety. Information about Notifiable Conditions helps the State of Texas track the number of people who become ill with Vaccine Preventable illnesses.
Post to the discussion board describing this data. Investigate the sources of the data. What are some factors impacting the quality and reliability/completeness of the data? Also, look at trends or points in the data. Why do certain counties have higher numbers of vaccine conscientious exemptions, especially varying rates in counties that are close together like Denton, Dallas, and Tarrant Counties?
The response must include a reference list. Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.