The Immunization Quality Improvement Program (IQIP) is a quality improvement program developed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for healthcare providers enrolled in the North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP). The goal of IQIP is to increase on-time vaccination of children and adolescents with all Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP)-recommended vaccines by reducing missed opportunities to vaccinate and improving immunization delivery practices.  IQIP has replaced CDC’s Assessment, Feedback, Incentives and eXchange (AFIX) quality improvement program.

The 12-month IQIP process

IQIP is a 12-month process where Regional Immunization Consultants (PDF) work together with NCIP providers and their staff to identify strategies to increase vaccine uptake. Vaccination coverage is measured at or near the time of an initial site visit. Immunization practices are assessed and technical assistance and support designed to improve vaccine uptake are recommended. Vaccination coverage is measured again, one year later, to determine the effectiveness of the IQIP strategies in improving vaccination coverage.

IQIP strategies may include:

• Scheduling the next immunization visit before the patient leaves the healthcare provider's office.
• Leveraging the functionality of the North Carolina Immunization Registry (NCIR) to improve immunization practice. This might include creating a Benchmark Report (PDF) or Recall/Reminder Report (PDF).
• Strengthening vaccination communications with parents and patients.
• Improving workflow and creating a culture of on-time vaccination.

Learn more about the IQIP process and strategies.

Benefits of IQIP

The IQIP program can help ensure patients are getting the vaccines they need when they need them. Benefits of participating in IQIP include:

• Increasing on-time vaccinations, so fewer catch-up visits are needed.
• Saving money because staff resources are not devoted to catch-up and follow-up activities.
• Incorporating effective strategies that meet the practice needs and workflow.
• Meeting Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) immunization measures.

Request an IQIP visit

For training on IQIP reports and how to increase immunization rates in your practice see NCIR Training and Education.

CDC offers a range of resources to start conversations with parents about vaccines for their infants and children, encourage on-time vaccinations and improve your immunization services.