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Effect of a national vaccine shortage on vaccine coverage for American Indian/Alaska Native children

Amy V Groom1, James E Cheek, Ralph T Bryan

  • 1OMHD/OSI/OD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, c/o Indian Health Service, Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention, 5300 Homestead Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, USA. rrb2@cdc.gov

American Journal of Public Health
|March 2, 2006
PubMed

Insights

National vaccine shortages significantly impacted diphtheria, tetanus toxoids, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine coverage for American Indian/Alaska Native children. DTaP4 coverage declined by 14.8% during the shortage, with regional disparities observed.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • National vaccine shortages can disrupt routine immunization schedules.
  • Understanding the impact on vulnerable populations is crucial for public health equity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effect of national vaccine shortages on diphtheria, tetanus toxoids, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine coverage among American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) children.
  • To analyze regional variations in DTaP4 coverage decline during vaccine shortages.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Indian Health Service (IHS) immunization reports for DTaP coverage data in children aged 19-27 months.
  • Compared DTaP4 coverage rates before, during, and after the shortage period.
  • Stratified data geographically to identify regional differences in coverage.

Main Results:

  • AIAN children experienced a significant 14.8% decrease in DTaP4 coverage during the shortage.
  • Coverage declines varied substantially across IHS regions, ranging from 4.5% to 26.5%.

Conclusions:

  • AIAN children faced a greater DTaP4 coverage decline (14.8%) compared to national averages (6%) during the shortage.
  • Observed regional variations suggest potential inequities in vaccine distribution and shortage management.
  • Emphasizes the need for equitable vaccine distribution and consistent implementation of recommendations to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Abstract

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