Influenza Vaccine Coverage and Missed Opportunities Among Inner-city Children Aged 6 to 23 Months: 2000-2005

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. In 2002, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended universal influenza vaccination of 6- to 23-month-olds. Little is known about coverage and missed opportunities for influenza vaccination at inner-city practices. The objective of this study was to assess the 2000–2001 to 2004–2005 coverage and the prevalence of missed opportunities for influenza vaccination among inner-city children. METHODS. We conducted a retrospective review for the 2000–2001 to 2004–2005 influenza seasons at a practice network in New York City. The study population included 5 annual cohorts of 6- to 29-month olds as of March 31 of each year with ≥1 visit to the network in the previous 12 months (n = 7063). Immunization data were obtained from the network registry and the New York Citywide Immunization Registry. Coverage levels were estimated for 1 dose (partial) and 2 doses (full). Missed opportunities were assessed for visits within each influenza season. RESULTS. Coverage rose steadily throughout the 5 years (full: 1.6% to 23.7%; partial: 1.5% to 18.1%). The relationship between year and coverage was linear. Missed opportunities occurred in 82% of visits and were more common for first (89%) than for repeat doses (38%). Missed opportunities per child per season decreased from 2.9 to 2.0 during the study period. CONCLUSIONS. Influenza vaccine coverage among 6- to 23-month-olds at inner-city practices increased steadily from 2000–2001 through 2004–2005, and the prevalence of missed opportunities per child decreased. However, coverage remained suboptimal, with most of children not vaccinated or undervaccinated. Missed opportunities were major contributors to low coverage.