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Immunization Completion in Infants Born at Low Birth Weight
Matt Nestander1, Jay Dintaman2, Apryl Susi3
1Department of Pediatrics, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington.
Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
|October 17, 2017
Summary
Low birth weight (LBW) infants have lower immunization completion rates. Ensuring consistent healthcare provider visits and well-child care can improve vaccination outcomes for these vulnerable infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Immunology
Background:
- Low birth weight (LBW) is linked to underimmunization.
- Previous research suggests factors like prematurity and illness mediate this association.
- Understanding LBW's direct impact on immunization is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effect of LBW on immunization completion.
- To control for potential mediators like prematurity, neonatal illness, and healthcare utilization.
- To identify factors promoting immunization in LBW infants.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of infants born 2008-2011 with military healthcare.
- Used ICD-9 codes to identify LBW, comorbidities, and healthcare visits.
- Logistic regression analyzed odds of immunization completion and well-child care.
Main Results:
- 85.7% of infants completed immunizations by age 2.
- LBW infants had significantly decreased odds of immunization completion (OR 0.88).
- Very LBW (OR 0.61) and extremely LBW (OR 0.45) showed greater deficits. Preterm birth, chronic lung disease, and inconsistent providers also reduced completion.
Conclusions:
- LBW remains a significant independent risk factor for immunization noncompletion, even with healthcare access.
- Consistent provider care and complete well-child visits are vital for improving immunization rates in LBW infants.
- Targeted interventions focusing on well-child care may enhance vaccine uptake in this population.