Childhood Influenza Vaccination Coverage among Children 10-28 Months. A Study from the South Carolina Pediatric Practice Research Network

Background:
Childhood influenza vaccination recommendations by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices have been expanded multiple times in the past five years. The degree of adoption of these recommendations among private practitioners is unclear.

Setting:
Pediatric practices participating in the South Carolina Pediatric Practice Research Network (SCPPRN).

Population:
Eligible children had at least one vaccination visit at a participating practice after age three months and were born between 11/01/05–11/30/06. During the 2007-2008 influenza season, there was a range of 216-616 children per practice, aged 10–28 months.

Project Description:
We assessed influenza vaccination coverage among children receiving care from three private practices participating in the SCPPRN.

Results/Lessons Learned:
At least one dose of influenza vaccination was received by 53% of 1448 eligible children during the 2007-2008 influenza season. Coverage varied between practices, with one practice vaccinating 68% of eligible children (eligible children were 70% Hispanic, 92% Medicaid-insured), another 44% (78% black, 77% Medicaid-insured), and the third 37% (79% white, 75% privately-insured). Further analysis will include three additional practices and will examine missed opportunities for influenza vaccination at preventative care and sick visits by race, ethnicity and insurance status, and variation within and between practices. Continued education is encouraged to inform providers of the influenza recommendations and their importance for all children.