Assessment of Missing Immunizations and Immunization-Related Barriers among WIC Populations at the Local Level

Objective: Low childhood immunization rates have been a challenge in Colorado, an issue that was exacerbated by a diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine shortage that began in 2001. To combat this shortage, the locally based Tri-County Health Department conducted a study to assess imm...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Public health reports (1974) Vol. 122; no. 5; pp. 602 - 606
Main Authors:	Ghosh, Tista S., Patnair, Jennifer L., Bennett, Anne, Trefren, Lynn, Vogt, Richard L.
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Los Angeles, CA Association of Schools of Public Health 01-09-2007 SAGE Publications SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
Subjects:	Adult Aid to Families with Dependent Children Attitude to Health Biological and medical sciences Child, Preschool Children Children & youth Claims adjustment Colorado Cross-Sectional Studies Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis Vaccines - therapeutic use Diptheria pertussis tetanus vaccine Female Health insurance Humans Immunization Immunization Programs - utilization Infant Infants Maternal-Child Health Centers Medical sciences Medically Uninsured Miscellaneous Mothers - psychology Pediatrics Prevention and actions Program Evaluation Public health Public health. Hygiene Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine Shortages United States Vaccination Vaccines White people Whooping cough United States North America America Colorado Human Prevention Immunoprophylaxis Immunization Accessibility Vaccination Population Public health Care
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Summary:	Objective: Low childhood immunization rates have been a challenge in Colorado, an issue that was exacerbated by a diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine shortage that began in 2001. To combat this shortage, the locally based Tri-County Health Department conducted a study to assess immunization-related barriers among children in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), a population at risk for undervaccination. Methods: This study assessed characteristics and perceptions of WIC mothers in conjunction with their children's immunization status in four clinics. Results: Results indicated poor immunization rates, which improved with assessment and referral. The uninsured were at higher risk for undervaccination. DTaP was the most commonly missing vaccine, and discrepancies existed between the children's perceived and actual immunization status, particularly regarding DTaP. Targeted interventions were initiated as a result of this study. Conclusion: Local health departments should target immunization-related interventions by assessing their own WIC populations to identify unique vaccine-related deficiencies, misperceptions, and high-risk subpopulations.
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23
ISSN:	0033-3549 1468-2877
DOI:	10.1177/003335490712200507