The impact of public assistance factors on the immunization levels of children younger than 2 years.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined how children's immunization status varied with enrollment in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC); food stamp; and Medicaid programs.


METHODS
A statewide survey was used to determine the percentage of children less than 2 years of age who were up to date for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; polio; and measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines.


RESULTS
WIC and uninsured children were more likely and AFDC and Medicaid children less likely to be up to date than others.


CONCLUSIONS
The higher immunization status of WIC and uninsured children suggests that integrating immunization practices with government programs may be effective.
Suarez
L
L
Texas Department of Health, Austin 78756, USA.
Simpson
D M
DM
Smith
D R
DR
D000385:Aid to Families with Dependent Children; D005260:Female; D005522:Food Services; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008484:Medicaid; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011632:Public Assistance; D012943:Social Security; D013781:Texas; D014481:United States