Taking a Mixed Methods Approach to Understand Immunization Access
We partnered with the Wyoming Immunization Unit to conduct a comprehensive program evaluation examining how effectively the program supports and promotes immunization access across Wyoming. Our evaluation was intentionally designed to incorporate both process and outcome evaluation questions, allowing us to assess not only vaccination trends and program results, but also the program and operational factors that influence how immunization services are delivered.
We examined three focus areas: statewide vaccination coverage and waiver trends, data quality and user experience with the state’s immunization registry, and the allocation and ordering of state- and federally-funded vaccines (including Vaccines for Children). Our team conducted extensive secondary data analyses using state and federal data sources to examine coverage patterns across children, adolescents, and adults, identify geographic and population-level trends, and assess changes in exemptions and vaccine ordering over time.
To complement these analyses, we also collected and analyzed primary data. This included a survey with registry users to identify the top challenges faced when reporting data to and querying data from the immunization registry. We also conducted key informant interviews with immunization providers to understand how providers are discussing vaccines with patients, what barriers they face, and patient hesitancies to vaccination. Our thematic analysis of these interviews identified challenges to increasing immunization rates across the state and ways the state can better support immunization providers.
A defining feature of this evaluation was the breadth and depth of the data integration. We linked multiple administrative, program, and registry datasets and paired them with qualitative findings to produce a detailed, statewide picture of immunization access, operational challenges, and opportunities for improvement. This approach allowed program leaders and partners to move beyond high-level indicators and use both secondary and primary data to inform targeted, actionable recommendations.
Learn more about our work.