Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of this presentation participants will be able to describe influenza vaccination coverage among US children aged 6-23 months as documented by immunization information system (IIS) sentinel site data.

Background:
Children aged <2 years are at increased risk for influenza-related hospitalizations. Beginning with the 2004-2005 season, ACIP strengthened encouragement of receipt of influenza vaccination among children aged 6-23 months to a recommendation. We analyzed IIS data on influenza vaccination coverage among children in this age group.

Objectives:
Determine influenza immunization coverage level among the newly recommended group of children aged 6-23 months during the 2004-2005 season.

Methods:
We used IIS sentinel site data to calculate influenza vaccine coverage from September 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005, among children aged 6-23 months. Receipt of at least 1 dose of vaccine and fully-vaccinated coverage was assessed. Doses administered by public and private providers overall and by month were also examined.

Results:
Influenza vaccination coverage levels with at least 1 dose among the 6 IIS sentinel sites ranged from 8.2% to 47.6%. Coverage of fully-vaccinated children aged 6-23 months ranged from 2.1%-18.5%. In 4 of the 6 sites, the majority of influenza vaccine doses were administered by private providers. Most doses were administered in October, November, and December 2004; however, in 3 sites, over 10% of doses were administered in January 2005.

Conclusions:
Findings of this study indicate that during the first year of recommended receipt of vaccine, almost 1/3 of children aged 6-23 months received vaccine in 5 of the 6 IIS sentinel sites. Doses administered in January could reflect receipt of a 2nd dose of vaccine in this age group. Using IIS sentinel site data allows for timely coverage assessments.