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Programs & Tools:

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
collage of people

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Archived IPE Documents
  • Archived IPE Documents
    Older versions of the Immunization Program Evaluation resources including a short summary of recent updates for each document.

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Other CDC-Selected Evaluation Resources
  • CDC Evaluation Framework and Self-study Guide

    Complete guide*Adobe Acrobat print-friendly PDF file (.pdf, 1.35 MB, 92 pages) (text-only version)
    This framework 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.
    The original can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/eval/framework.htm

  • DASH (Division of Adolescent and School Health)
    Among other tools and resources, this website includes interactive tutorials on writing SMART objectives and developing logic models
  • DTBE (Division of Tuberculosis Elimination)
    One of the items included at this website is a sample TB evaluation plan: Appendix A: Sample TB Evaluation Plan
  • STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease program)
    This website provides detailed guidance and tools for each of the six steps in the CDC evaluation Framework.
    • Step 3: Focus the Evaluation Design Adobe Acrobat print-friendly PDF file (.pdf, 56 pages) (text-only)
      Includes a discussion of process and outcome evaluation and shows an example of narrowing down a list of potential evaluation questions to the most important and most feasible ones.
  • Note: Sample state and county STD program evaluations are included in the Glossary and Appendices section of the Focus the Evaluation Design document.

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External Evaluation Resources
  • The Community Tool Box (The University of Kansas) (exit)
    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 Website (exit)
    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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* Due to the large size of this file, please be patient while the file is being downloaded. If the file does not download after a few minutes, close all open applications and reboot your computer before trying again.

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.

.pdf files: To view and print the .pdf files on this site, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. Use this link to obtain a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader (exit). We highly recommend that you upgrade to the latest version if haven't already.

This page last modified on December 18, 2008
Content last reviewed on December 18, 2008
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases

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