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Immunization Program Evaluation (IPE)

Welcome to Immunization Program Evaluation (IPE).

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What is program evaluation? Program evaluation is the systematic investigation of the structure, activities, or outcomes of public health programs. It explores whether activities are implemented as planned and outcomes have occurred as intended, and why. Evaluation provides grantees with the evidence they need to shape effective immunization programs by helping them to:

  • Manage programs effectively
  • Assess and improve existing programs
  • Understand reasons for performance
  • Plan and implement new programs
  • Demonstrate the value of their efforts
  • Ensure accountability
Evaluation framework illustration.
CDC -- Immunization Program Evaluation Resources
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  • 2011 Immunization Program Evaluation Guidance Adobe Acrobat print-friendly PDF file (RTF-120KB, 3 pages) NEW OCT 2011
    This updated guidance for the Program Evaluation requirement replaces the guidance disseminated October 1, 2010.

  • Guide to Immunization Program Evaluation for Grantees Adobe Acrobat print-friendly PDF file (PDF-429KB, 44 pages)
    This 2007 guide was designed for state immunization grantees and is organized around the six steps of the CDC Evaluation Framework. It includes examples, worksheets, and step-by-step guidance for developing an evaluation plan.

  • IPE FAQs NEW OCT 2011
    The 2011 FAQ’s document is an updated set of answers to frequently asked questions about the program evaluation requirement.

  • New Cycle Topic Report – Topic Identification Report Template Adobe Acrobat print-friendly PDF file (RTF-56KB, 1 page) NEW OCT 2011
    This template identifies a grantee’s new evaluation topic and only needs to be completed by grantees starting a new evaluation cycle. It must be submitted to CDC (via PAPA) for approval prior to developing and submitting an evaluation plan.

  • Example evaluation topics, questions and data collection methods Adobe Acrobat print-friendly PDF file (RTF-337KB, 12 pages) NEW OCT 2011
    This document provides a list of example program evaluation topic areas, questions, and data collection methods; however, this list is not meant to be exhaustive and is meant only to provide grantees with examples of the types of questions programs may want to ask in the context of program evaluation.

  • 2011 Evaluation Plan Template Adobe Acrobat print-friendly PDF file (RTF-229KB, 5 pages) NEW OCT 2011
    This template of the updated Evaluation Plan should be used for grantees starting new evaluations (i.e. ‘Cycle 2’). Please remember that this needs to be submitted into PAPA.  

  • Cycle 2 Final Report Template Adobe Acrobat print-friendly PDF file (RTF-32KB, 3 pages) NEW MAR 2012
    This Final Report template is for use by grantees who have completed their Cycle 2 (or beyond) evaluation. Please remember that this needs to be submitted into PAPA.

  • Cycle 1 Final Report Template Adobe Acrobat print-friendly PDF file (RTF-126KB, 3 pages)
    This template is for the evaluation Final Report which must be submitted after each evaluation is completed. Please remember that this needs to be submitted into PAPA.

  • Grantee Topics and Contacts Adobe Acrobat print-friendly PDF file (PDF 186KB, 6 pages)
    This 2008 list of grantee evaluation topics and contact information for evaluation leads is from Cycle 1 and can be used as a resource to find other grantees who have evaluated a similar topic to what you are currently evaluating.  It may be helpful for you to look at the methods and results of the previous evaluation.

  • Other materials are available via email by contacting ipe@cdc.gov (please specify which items you need.)
    • 2009 Evaluation Presentations
    • Webinar #1 - February 19, 2009
    • Presentation #1 (Presented by Leslie Heyden)
      Evaluating California’s Web-based Training for Medical Assistants
    • Presentation #2 (Presented by Shana Johnny)
      Perinatal Hepatitis B Program Evaluation Post-Vaccination Serology Testing
    • 2007-2008 Evaluation Presentations
    • Practical Evaluation for Public Health Programs – November 2007 (Presented by Betty Apt)
    • Webinar #1 – June 2007 Using CDC’s Evaluation Framework (Presented by Tom Chapel)
    • Webinar #2 – September 2007 Follow up: Working a Case Example (Presented by Tom Chapel and Betty Apt)
    • Webinar #3 – April 2008 Process Evaluation (Presented by Pascale Wortley)
    • Webinar #4 – June 2008 Writing an Evaluation Plan (Presented by Pascale Wortley and Suchita Lorick)

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Other CDC Evaluation Resources
  • CDC Evaluation Framework and Self-study Guide (MMWR)
    Guides public health professionals in program evaluation. It is a practical, non-prescriptive tool designed to summarize and organize essential elements of program evaluation. The steps and standards of this framework will provide an understanding of each program's context and improve how program evaluations are conceived and conducted. More...
  • DASH Evaluation Briefs (Division of Adolescent and School Health)
    Contains 22 briefs from setting goals and objectives, preparing an evaluation report, and various data collection methods.

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External Evaluation Resources
  • The Community Tool BoxExternal Web Site Policy (The University of Kansas)
    The Tool Box provides practical information to support work in promoting community health and development. Chapters 36 to 39 focus on program evaluation and cover many aspects of program evaluation, ranging from how to write an evaluation plan to how to conduct different types of data collection (qualitative and quantitative).
  • The University of Wisconsin's Program Development and Evaluation WebsiteExternal Web Site Policy
    This site provides a wealth of information including some practical evaluation tools and tips including "How to get a respectable response rate" and "Avoid these mistakes in your program evaluation."

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Contact Us

 Contact the IPE working group via an email form for:

      • General questions about program evaluation
      • General comments about the grantee guide
      • Feedback regarding the IPE website
      • Other

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Accessibility Note: For assistance with text-only versions of materials provided on this page, please contact bwillis2@cdc.gov. Please reference this web page and the exact item you need.

Non-CDC Link Disclaimer: Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. The CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization web pages found at these links.

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This page last modified on April 2, 2012
Content last reviewed on October 7, 2011
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases

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