Immunization status of a military dependent population

The immunization status of active duty pediatric dependents served by the National Naval Medical Center was surveyed to estimate the degree to which this group was in compliance with immunization requirements. Four hundred sixteen patients who presented consecutively to a pediatric acute care clinic had their medical and immunization records screened. Ten percent of patients did not have complete records of immunization. Of the 375 patients remaining, 52 (13.9%) were deficient in one or more required immunizations based on their current age. The highest rates of delay were seen for the Haemophilus influenza vaccine followed by measles, mumps, rubella, and diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. The most common reason for missing immunizations was parental unfamiliarity with the recommended schedule. This study suggests that a significant number of dependents in our catchment area were delayed in immunization and that accurate record keeping and patient education about immunizations needs to be improved.