Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
At the end of this presentation participants will be able to describe the vaccination coverage levels of adolescents 13-15 years of age.


Background:
In 1996, the ACIP recommended a preventive health visit for all adolescents 11-12 years of age during which adolescents should receive a dose of hepatitis B vaccine if they have not completed the 3-dose series, the 2nd dose of MMR if needed, a Td booster, and varicella vaccine (if susceptible). In 1997, the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) began collecting immunization histories for all children less than 18 years of age, becoming the only source of national adolescent immunization information.

Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to measure vaccination coverage levels of adolescents 13-15 years of age.

Methods:
We analyzed the 1997-2003 NHIS. Vaccination histories were reported from a written shot record (including type and date of vaccination) or by memory (number of doses received) if a shot record was not available. Vaccination status was determined as of the date of the interview.

Results:
For each survey year, approximately 20% of immunization histories were reported from a written shot record. Among adolescents 13-15 years of age with a shot record, coverage for ≥2 doses of MMR increased from 68% in 1997 to 77% in 2003; coverage for ≥3 doses of hepatitis B increased from 15% in 1997 to 52% in 2003; and coverage for ≥1 dose of Td increased from 29% in 1997 to 33% in 2003. For each survey year, approximately 85% of adolescents had a reported history of varicella disease, and coverage with a dose of vaccine ranged from approximately 5% to 8%. Coverage reported from memory was substantially higher.

Conclusions:
Adolescent vaccination coverage levels appear to be increasing although much work is needed to achieve Healthy People 2010 goals of 90% coverage for each recommended vaccine.