Related Experiment Videos
Retrospective assessment of vaccination coverage among school-aged children--selected U.S. cities, 1991
Insights
Many children miss crucial vaccinations by age two, increasing risks for preventable diseases. This study assessed early childhood vaccination coverage in nine major U.S. cities during 1991.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Public Health Surveillance
- Immunization Programs
Background:
- Preschool-aged children face significant risks for vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Outbreaks predominantly affect unvaccinated children within this age group.
- While school entry vaccination rates exceed 95%, coverage by age two is notably lower.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively evaluate vaccination coverage levels among children at their second birthday.
- To identify disparities in early childhood immunization rates in major U.S. cities.
Main Methods:
- Surveys conducted by the CDC in collaboration with state and local health departments.
- Assessment of vaccination levels among children entering school in the 60 largest U.S. cities.
- Analysis of data from surveys completed in nine cities during 1991.
Main Results:
- Vaccination rates for individual antigens at school entry are high (>95%).
- Coverage rates for children at their second birthday are substantially lower than recommended.
- Findings highlight a critical gap in early childhood immunization schedules.
Conclusions:
- Significant proportions of children are not completing recommended vaccination schedules by age two.
- Early childhood vaccination coverage is a critical public health concern.
- Targeted interventions are needed to improve timely immunization among preschool-aged children.
Abstract:
Preschool-aged children are at increased risk for vaccine-preventable diseases; outbreaks of these diseases in this age group occur predominantly among unvaccinated children (1). In the United States, vaccination rates of individual antigens required for children at the time they enter school are greater than 95%; however, vaccination rates for children at their second birthday are substantially lower (2) despite recommendations by the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP) and the American Academy of Pediatrics that all children complete a schedule of vaccination by age 15-18 months.* To retrospectively assess vaccination levels among school-aged children at their second birthday, CDC, in collaboration with state and local health departments, is conducting surveys of vaccination levels among children entering school who reside in the 60 largest U.S. cities. This report presents findings from surveys completed in nine cities during 1991.