Information for ProvidersAssessment, Feedback, Incentives and eXchangeOne of the most effective strategies for improving immunization coverage levels and adherence to standards of practice at the provider level is the use of the continuous quality improvement process known as Assessment, Feedback, Incentives and eXchange (AFIX). AFIX stands for Assessment of immunization levels, Feedback of immunization information to key staff, Incentives to motivate and/or recognize outstanding performance, and eXchange of information on best practices to improve immunization coverage levels. During the "A" or Assessment phase of AFIX, Bureau of Immunization field staff assist providers in identifying opportunities for improving immunization coverage levels. An improvement goal is created. A plan is developed, implemented and evaluated to determine if the goal was achieved. This process continues with revisions to the plan until the goal is met. The "F-I-X" components of the process are used to develop, implement and evaluate the continuous quality improvement process. The goal of AFIX is to ensure that viable vaccines reach all children served by the provider site in accordance with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended immunization schedules and best practices. A successful AFIX process requires implementation of all four components and repeated contacts with a provider site. It requires the Bureau of Immunization field staff and the provider site to become partners in improving immunization coverage levels. The Comprehensive Clinic Assessment Software Application (CoCASA) software tool is used to conduct the assessment component of AFIX. The assessment component is the foundation of the AFIX program. The other components build on the findings from the assessment. Field staff are mindful that all the components of AFIX interact and must be included when working with both public and private providers. The Bureau of Immunization provides recognition to high-performing public and private providers who achieve certain coverage levels for their two-year-old Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program patients being fully immunized. Gold certificates are awarded to providers who achieve 95-100% coverage level; silver certificates go to providers who achieve 90-94% coverage level. Centers for Disease Control and PreventionBureau of Immunization |
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