At least 80% of children aged 19–35 months received three or more of the four required doses of pneumococcal vaccine in 2005—a big jump from 40% coverage 3 years ago, according to results of the National Immunization Survey released in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention press briefing.
CDC officials also reported that, for the first time in a decade, there was no significant difference in coverage among ethnic groups. “We have immunization coverage rates that are at or near record highs,” Dr. Anne Schuchat said in the briefing, adding, “We are very close to closing the gap in coverage between racial and ethnic minority groups and others.”
Overall, 76% of children received all the required doses of six vaccines: diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus; polio; measles-mumps-rubella; Haemophilus influenzae type b; hepatitis B; and varicella. This was the first year that varicella was added into the report, said Dr. Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Atlanta. Results are reported in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR 2006;55:988–93).
The most striking figure was the increase in coverage for the six-vaccine series from 2002 to 2005 for African American children—from 62% to 77%—said Dr. Schuchat. During the same time period, coverage increased for Hispanics from 66% to 76%, and for whites from 66% to 76%.
There were some differences in uptake for specific vaccines. Blacks and Hispanics had lower coverage for the DTP/DT/ DTaP and pneumococcal vaccines, compared with whites, but they had more coverage for varicella. In the MMWR report, the authors suggest that monitoring coverage for blacks and Hispanics for DTP and pneumococcal vaccine especially is important, given that there is a higher incidence of pneumococcal disease in black children.
There still are significant differences in coverage among the states. It is highest in Massachusetts, at 91% coverage overall, and lowest in Vermont, at 63%. Dr. Schuchat said differences in coverage might be caused by varying rates of commitment by localities and pediatricians, and strength of immunization programs.
Uptake of vaccines is tracked, but generally not reported in the first few years a product has been added to the vaccination schedule, said Dr. Schuchat. The varicella vaccine was added to the recommended list in 2000, so its uptake has been recorded but not reported until this year.
Pneumococcal vaccine use is being tracked but is not included as part of the formal overall coverage target for 2005, said Dr. Schuchat. There were concerns that uptake would be slowed by both expense and a shortage during February to September 2004, but that has not proven to be the case, she said. In 2005, more than 50% of children received four doses, and more than 80% had three or more doses.
The annual NIS is compiled from quarterly random-digit dialing to sample parents of children aged 19–35 months. Immunization coverage is confirmed with providers' records. In 2005, records were obtained for 17,563 children.