Completion and compliance of childhood vaccinations in the United States. Issue 3 (12th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kurosky, Samantha K.; Davis, Keith L.; Krishnarajah, Girishanthy
• Is Part Of: Vaccine. Volume 34:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 387
• Page End: 394
• Publication Date: 2016-01-12
• Subjects: Undervaccination -- Immunisation -- Timeliness -- ACIP; ACIP Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices -- DTap diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine -- HepA hepatitis A vaccine -- HepB hepatitis B vaccine -- Hib Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine -- IIS immunization information systems -- IPV inactivated poliovirus -- MMR measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine -- NIS national immunization survey -- PCV pneumococcal conjugate vaccine -- SCHIP State Children's Health Insurance Program -- US United States; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.11.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-410X

Abstract

Highlights: Vaccine completion levels are shifting between birth and age 2 years. Approximately 75% of children do not receive all recommended vaccines at age-appropriate times. Completion and compliance varied by geographic region. Abstract: Background: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends routine childhood vaccination by age 2 years, yet evidence suggests that only 2% to 26% of children receive vaccine doses at age-appropriate times (compliance). The objective of this study was to estimate vaccine completion and compliance rates between birth and age 2 years using recent, nationally representative data. Methods: Using a sample of children aged 24 to 35 months from the 2012 National Immunization Survey (NIS), the present study examined completion and compliance of recommended childhood vaccines. A state-specific examination of vaccine completion and compliance was also conducted. Results: An unweighted sample of 11, 710 children (weighted to 4.1 million) was selected. Approximately 70% of children completed all doses of six recommended vaccines by 24 months of age. Completion rates varied by antigen, ranging from 68% completing two or three doses of rotavirus vaccine to 92% completing three doses of inactivated poliovirus vaccine. Vaccine completion rates also varied at different measurement periods, with the lowest rates observed at 18 months. Approximately 26% of children received all doses of six recommended vaccines on time. Among the 74% of children who received at least one late dose, 39% had >7 months of undervaccination. Patterns of completion and compliance also varied by geographic region. Conclusions: Completion of individual antigens approached Healthy People 2020 targets. However, overall completion of the recommended vaccine series and compliance with the recommended vaccination dosing schedule were low, indicating few children received vaccines at age-appropriate times. Additional clinical, policy, and educational interventions are needed to increase receipt of vaccines at optimal ages.