Shots for tots: Louisiana's infant immunization initiative.

PURPOSE

To describe the "Shots for Tots" immunization initiative, a community-based approach to overcoming barriers to timely immunizations.

POPULATION

Children in southwest Louisiana, ages 1 month to 5 years, requiring immunizations.

CONCLUSIONS

The "Shots for Tots" immunization initiative has been successful in improving immunization rates.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

With the increase in community-based practice and the resurgence of many vaccine-preventable diseases, this program can serve as an example to pediatric nurses involved in prevention and primary care in their efforts to improve immunization rates.