USE of Rotavirus Vaccine in Pediatric Practices in South Carolina

Background:
The ACIP recommended the use of rotavirus vaccine (RV) in August 2006. The schedule for administration of RV specifies strict age limits for series initiation and completion. This study will assess use of RV and identify challenges to proper compliance with the recommended schedule.

Setting:
We analyzed data from three pediatric practices in the South Carolina Pediatric Practice Research Network (SCPPRN). Data for 1 additional practice will be available for the presentation.

Population:
Children were eligible if born between 7/01/2006 and 11/30/2006 and seen at 3 pediatric practices for at least one vaccination after 3 months of age.

Project Description:
We analyzed data from three pediatric practices in the South Carolina Pediatric Practice Research Network (SCPPRN). In addition to vaccine history and patient demographics we also examine visit history to the practice.

Results/Lessons Learned:
In practice A (n=299), 85% of all children received the first dose of rotavirus vaccine, and 77% of all children received the first dose before 13 weeks of age; 69% received the third dose, and 63% received the third dose before 33 weeks of age. Of the children who started the rotavirus vaccination on time, 81% completed the third dose on time.
In practice B (n=252), 50% of all children received the first dose of rotavirus vaccine, and 44% of all children received the first dose before 13 weeks of age; 30% received the third dose, and 27 % received the third dose before 33 weeks of age. Of the children who started the rotavirus vaccination on time, 60% completed the third dose on time.
In practice C (n=71), only 1% of all children received the first dose of rotavirus vaccine.
Rotavirus vaccination coverage is highly variable between practices. Issues with starting and completing the series on time are evident.