The Division of Infectious Diseases in the Department of Pediatrics conducts research under two programs:
Infectious Diseases Center
Chief of Service and Clinic Chief, Debra L. Palazzi, M.D., professor, Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
The Infectious Diseases Center at Texas Children's Hospital provides expert diagnosis and management of pediatric infectious diseases in children. Outpatient evaluation of persistent fevers or unusual illnesses that are thought to be infectious is available as well as help to assess acutely ill patients. Patients with certain infections that require prolonged care, such as osteomyelitis, are also seen in the center.
Immunization Project
Project Director, Julie Boom, M.D., associate professor, Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
The Immunization Project is dedicated to developing, implementing and evaluating strategies to help keep Houston-area children free of vaccine-preventable diseases. The Immunization Project strives to serve the public, health professionals, and Texas Children's by providing timely and accurate immunization-related information and resources. An autodialer reminder system proactively sends immunization reminders to parents whose children are 2, 4, 6, 12, 15 and 48 months old. The system is currently available to patients of Texas Children's Pediatric Associates. An immunization helpline is available as an interactive phone system in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. It includes information about local providers of free or low-cost immunizations, calendar of special events, and immunization information for your children identified by birth date. A "Raising Immunization Through Education" program has been established to increase immunization coverage levels in the greater Houston area through practical, peer-based, quality medical education delivered to all members of the provider office.
The Houston-Harris County Immunization Registry is a confidential, computerized information system that collects immunization histories and helps ensure correct and timely immunizations for children living in the Houston-Harris County area.
