The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #54282

Tammy A. Santibanez, PhD and Lawrence E. Barker, PhD. National Immunization Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, NE, Mailstop E-62, Atlanta, GA 30333, 404-639-8304, afz5@cdc.gov

Background: To prevent resurgence of vaccine preventable disease, we must maintain immunization coverage among pre-school children. Objective: To examine association between family size and childhood immunization coverage. Methods: The National Immunization Survey (NIS) provides annual national estimates of vaccination coverage of preschool children. We used the 2001 NIS to test for associations between number of children aged under 18 years in the household (1; 2-3; or 4+) and vaccination coverage. Vaccinations considered included the 4:3:1:3:3:1 series (four or more doses of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis, three or more doses of polio vaccine, one or more dose of measles containing vaccine, three or more doses of haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine, three or more doses of hepatitis B vaccine, and one or more dose of varicella vaccine), other series, and the individual vaccines of the series. We used bivariate and multivariate tests to examine associations of immunization coverage with number of children. Results: For every antigen and series, there was a significant linear trend (all p<0.001, n=23,530); immunization coverage decreases as the number of children increases. This remained true for all antigens and series (all p<0.05), except hepatitis B, after controlling for demographics. Conclusion: Having four or more children in the household is associated with lower vaccination rates. Number of children could serve as an indicator for targeting interventions.

Learning Objectives:

• To determine the association between childhood immunization status and number of children in the household.

Keywords: Immunizations, Children

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.