Vaccination coverage among American Indian and Alaska native children, 2006-2010

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Immunization Practices

Background:

• Previous studies indicated a disparity in vaccination coverage between American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and white children from 2001-2004.
• These disparities were found to be absent in 2005, suggesting potential improvements in AI/AN immunization rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess vaccination coverage levels for AI/AN children aged 19-35 months in the U.S. from 2006 to 2010.
• To determine if the gains in vaccination coverage observed for AI/AN children in 2005 were sustained in subsequent years.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the National Immunization Surveys conducted between 2006 and 2010.
• Comparison of vaccination coverage between AI/AN children (alone or in combination with other races, excluding Hispanics) and white-only non-Hispanic children.
• Stratification of coverage data by geographic regions to identify potential localized trends.

Main Results:

• Despite higher demographic risk factors for underimmunization in AI/AN children, overall vaccination coverage remained similar to white children in most years.
• AI/AN children had lower coverage for pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (4+ doses) in 2008-2009 and for the full vaccine series in 2006 and 2009.
• When stratified by region, AI/AN children demonstrated similar or higher vaccination coverage than white children for most vaccines and years.

Conclusions:

• The improvements in vaccination coverage for AI/AN children observed in 2005 have been successfully maintained through 2010.
• The sustained absence of disparities in vaccination coverage between AI/AN and white children for most vaccines represents a significant public health success.
• Periodic reviews of immunization coverage are crucial for ensuring continued vigilance and equity in public health initiatives.