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A middle school immunization law rapidly and substantially increases immunization coverage among adolescents
Francisco Averhoff1, Leslie Linton, K Michael Peddecord
1National Immunization Program, MS E-61, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. fma0@cdc.gov
American Journal of Public Health
|July 14, 2004
Summary
Middle school vaccination requirements significantly boost adolescent immunization rates for measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B vaccines. This policy effectively increases vaccine coverage among students entering seventh grade.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Adolescent vaccination coverage is crucial for disease prevention.
- Assessing the impact of school entry requirements on immunization is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a middle school vaccination mandate.
- To determine the impact on second-dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and hepatitis B vaccine coverage.
Main Methods:
- Telephone surveys were conducted in San Diego, California, before (1998) and after (1999) the policy implementation.
- The study compared vaccination coverage rates among different grade levels.
Main Results:
- Seventh-grade students, subject to the requirement, showed 60% vaccination coverage.
- This contrasts with 13% coverage in younger students before the mandate and 27% in older students not subject to it.
Conclusions:
- Middle school vaccination requirements are a rapid and effective strategy.
- Mandatory vaccination policies can substantially increase student immunization rates.