Immunization prevalence rates for infants in a large urban center: Houston/Harris County, 1993.
Immunization prevalence rates in Houston/Harris County for children 18 to 24 months were determined by a prospective immunization survey conducted from January through May 1993. Rates for immunization series were very low for 2-year old children regardless of infant gender, maternal age, maternal education, or immunization provider (public verus private). African-American infants had the lowest likelihood of completing their immunization series. Infants who had received their first immunization within the scheduled time frame were most likely to complete the series. More than 57% of caregivers could not state accurately the immunization status of their children. Barriers to immunizations perceived by caregivers were identified as medical barriers, vaccine cost, and transportation. New goals for infant immunization delivery have been established by the national Comprehensive Children's Immunization Initiative. To meet these goals, large urban centers like Houston/Harris County must use resources through both public and private sectors, ie, networked, confidential immunization tracking system; enhanced and sustained educational efforts; and expansion of vaccine availability.
Hanson
I C
IC
Spears
W
W
Jenkins
K
K
Stoner
D
D
D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007223:Infant; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation; D012307:Risk Factors; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology