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Use of the Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine among preschool attendees
1C. S. Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Insights
The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine was underused in a preschool program, but most children under 4 years old, the highest risk group, received the immunization within 15 months of licensure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine was licensed in April 1985.
- Hib infection posed a significant risk, particularly to young children.
- Vaccine uptake and adherence to immunization schedules were critical public health concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utilization of the Hib vaccine in a university-based preschool program.
- To determine the immunization rates among children within 15 months of the vaccine's licensure.
- To identify vaccination patterns based on age groups.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among parents of 176 children (ages 29-82 months) enrolled in a preschool program.
- 115 parent questionnaires (65.3% response rate) were analyzed.
- Vaccination status and age at immunization were recorded.
Main Results:
- 49.6% of children had received the Hib vaccine, with a mean age of immunization at 40.6 months.
- Among children under 24 months at licensure, 82% were eventually immunized.
- Vaccination rates decreased with age: 80% for 2-year-olds, 78% for 3-year-olds, 55% for 4-year-olds, and lower for older children.
Conclusions:
- Despite overall underuse relative to recommendations, the Hib vaccine was predominantly administered to children under 4 years old.
- This age group represents the population at the greatest risk for severe Hib disease.
- The study highlights the importance of timely immunization in high-risk pediatric populations.
Abstract:
Use of the Hib vaccine during the first 15 months after licensure was studied in a university-based preschool program. Questionnaires were sent to the parents of the 176 children, ages 29-82 months, enrolled; 115 questionnaires (65.3%) were returned. Fifty seven children (49.6%) had received the Hib vaccine; the mean age at immunization was 40.6 months (range, 22-70 months). Of the 17 children who were under age 24 months at the time of vaccine licensure (April 1985), 14 (82%) were ultimately immunized. One child (age 22 months) received the vaccine before age 24 months. At 15 months after licensure, 80 percent of the 2-year-old children were immunized; 78 percent of 3 year olds; 55 percent of 4 year olds; 15 percent of 5 year olds; and 17 percent of 6 year olds. Thus, although the vaccine was underused as defined by the current recommendations for this group of children, the majority of children at greatest risk for disease--those under age 4 years--were immunized.