Screening Tool Predicts Future Underimmunization Among a Pediatric Practice in Tennessee

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Immunology

Background:

• The Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey aids in identifying vaccine-hesitant parents.
• Previous validation of the PACV survey did not encompass all recommended childhood vaccines.
• Understanding vaccine hesitancy is crucial for maintaining high childhood immunization rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare vaccination rates for all recommended childhood vaccines against PACV scores.
• To assess the predictive validity of the PACV survey for underimmunization in a Tennessee pediatric practice.
• To evaluate the impact of healthcare provider on immunization status.

Main Methods:

• Children were enrolled at a 2-week well visit and vaccination status assessed at 19 months.
• Vaccination rates were measured by the mean percentage of days underimmunized and up-to-date status.
• Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) scores were compared with immunization outcomes.

Main Results:

• Higher PACV scores were significantly associated with more days underimmunized (P < .001).
• Elevated PACV scores correlated with being overdue for vaccine doses at 19 months (P < .001).
• No significant difference in immunization status was observed between healthcare providers.

Conclusions:

• The PACV survey demonstrates predictive validity for identifying children at risk of underimmunization.
• PACV scores can be a valuable tool for pediatric practices to address vaccine hesitancy.
• Interventions targeting vaccine-hesitant parents, identified via PACV, may improve childhood vaccination coverage.