Vaccination Levels and Missed Opportunities for Measles Vaccination: A Record Audit in a Public Pediatric Clinic

Abstract

A record audit of 254 children attending a public clinic in Los Angeles was conducted to assess immunization levels prior to a measles outbreak in the community. Coverage with all vaccines appropriate for age decreased from 67%at 3 months to 25% at 19 months. Delay in initiating vaccination was associated with increasing risk for delayed measles-mumps-rubella vaccine beyond age 2 years (P < .05). In one third of children, health care providers missed an opportunity to administer measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. Recall systems and elimination of missed opportunities may increase vaccination levels in clinic populations. Record audits should be considered for use in guiding the management of immunization programs.