Objective: To compare immunization coverage of Hispanic children with white non-Hispanic children in the US and along the US border with Mexico. Methods: We selected data on Hispanic and white non-Hispanic preschool aged children of households interviewed during 1998 for the National Immunization Survey. Vaccination coverage for each of the recommended childhood vaccines and combined series of vaccines was compared for Hispanic and white children in the US overall, by poverty, and for children in CA, AZ, NM, and TX and selected counties within those 4 states. Results: Coverage with the combined series of vaccines 4:3:1:3 was significantly lower among Hispanic children than white children (75.3%; 95% CI=72.8,77.8 and 82.2%; 95% CI=81.2, 83.2, respectively; p<.05). Significant differences remained after stratifying by poverty (72.9%; 95% CI=68.8, 77.0, and 77.3%; 95% CI=74.1, 80.5, respectively; p<.05). Coverage with 4:3:1:3 was=70% in 6 of the 15 areas in the survey among Hispanic children, whereas, coverage was that low for only 2 of the 15 areas among white children. In 4 of the 5 areas included in the survey in Texas, this trend was reversed: coverage with 4:3:1:3 was higher among Hispanic children than white non-Hispanic children. Conclusions: Hispanic children had lower vaccination coverage than white non-Hispanic children at the national level; however, very low coverage was observed in counties and states along the US Mexico border. An evaluation of the causes of these differences and appropriate interventions to address the differences are necessary.
Learning Objectives: Participants will learn the differences in vaccination coverage among Hispanic children in the US and CA, AZ, NM, and TX, compared to white non-Hispanic children
Keywords: Children's Health, Immunizations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.