What main service does IDPH provide under the Immunization program?

The primary service provided by the IDPH under the Immunization program is monitoring vaccination rates and preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. This role is crucial for public health because it involves tracking vaccine coverage among different populations to ensure that vaccination rates meet the necessary benchmarks for community immunity. By monitoring these rates, IDPH can identify areas where vaccination coverage is low, which helps target interventions to improve public health outcomes. Additionally, preventing vaccine-preventable diseases is a key goal of the program, as it directly contributes to reducing the incidence of illnesses that can have serious health implications, thereby protecting the overall health of the community.

In contrast, developing new immunizations, conducting immunization research, and setting prices for vaccines might be related to aspects of public health but do not represent the core service that the IDPH Immunization program is focused on. The IDPH primarily emphasizes ensuring that existing immunization programs are effectively implemented and that the population is adequately protected through monitoring and prevention efforts.