Background: Immunizations have long been considered an indicator of quality healthcare. However, disparities in immunization coverage between populations exist. Methods: The National Immunization Provider Record Check Study (NIPRCS) is a provider validation study of the household reported immunization histories of all children aged 19-35 months included in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Data from the 1996 NIPRCS were analyzed to identify risk factors associated with not completing the 4:3:1:3 immunization series (4+ DTP/3+ Polio/1+ MCV/3+ HIB). Results: Among infants with health insurance, 82% (95% CI=80%-85%) were up-to-date with the 4:3:1:3 vaccination series while only 68% (95% CI=59%-77%) of uninsured infants completed the series. Infants with health insurance were 1.9 (95% CI=1.1-2.2, p<0.05) times more likely to be up-to-date than uninsured infants. Other strong predictors of up-to-date status were living in a rural area (OR 1.9; 95% CI=1.1-3.2; p<0.05;reference class=suburban), living in the Northeast (OR 1.9; 95% CI=1.2-3.0; p<0.01; reference class=West), and parent education beyond high school (OR 2.1; 95% CI=1.3-3.3; p<0.01). Conclusion: Documenting the gaps in vaccination coverage can help public health officials target populations in need and develop strategies to reduce disparities in vaccination rates.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify risk factors for undervaccination 2. Describe infant vaccination coverage levels for the United States
Keywords: Health Insurance, 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.