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The school-based immunization survey: an inexpensive tool for measuring vaccine coverage
L E Rodewald1, K J Roghmann, P G Szilagyi
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester, NY.
American Journal of Public Health
|December 1, 1993
Summary
School immunization surveys reveal vaccination rates below 90% across provider types. While school records have 15% errors, these surveys effectively identify children needing vaccination interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health Surveillance
- Immunization Practices
Background:
- Childhood vaccination is crucial for public health.
- Monitoring vaccination coverage is essential for disease prevention.
- Understanding disparities in healthcare access impacts immunization rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess vaccination rates at 2 years of age based on primary care provider type.
- To evaluate the accuracy of school immunization records against medical charts.
- To identify populations with low vaccination coverage for targeted interventions.
Main Methods:
- A school-based immunization survey was conducted in 36 Rochester, NY, elementary schools.
- Data included 5584 children's vaccination status at 2 years of age.
- School records were compared with medical charts for a subset of children.
Main Results:
- Vaccination rates varied from 58% to 86% across different provider types, all below the national goal of 90%.
- School immunization records demonstrated a 15% error rate when compared to medical charts, with unbiased inaccuracies.
- School-based surveys captured data on children lacking consistent primary care connections.
Conclusions:
- Primary care provider type influences childhood vaccination rates.
- School immunization records are a useful, albeit imperfect, tool for surveillance.
- School-based surveys are effective in identifying underserved populations needing immunization support.