A population-based survey of immunization coverage in children aged 2 years and younger in New South Wales.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a population-based baseline of immunization rates in children aged 2 years and younger in New South Wales (NSW) in 1992, permitting more accurate evaluation of the efficacy of current programmes.


METHODS
A cross-sectional population-based survey of 622 households from areas resident to over 73% of all children aged 4 years and younger in NSW.


RESULTS
Of the 322 households with children aged 3-24 months, 212 (66%; confidence interval (CI): 57-75%) were up-to-date with the recommended immunization schedule, 68 (21%; CI: 15-27%) had not commenced any immunization, and 42 (13%; CI: 9-17%) were partially immunised. Ability to read English (odds ratio (OR): 5.43; CI: 2.37-12.44) and receipt of hepatitis B immunization (OR; 2.54; CI: 1.27-5.07%) were highly associated with up-to-date immunization; whilst a history of any illnesses, frequent doctor visits in the past 12 months (OR: 0.47; CI: 0.27-0.85%) and older age (16-24 months) (OR: 0.26; CI: 0.12-0.50%) were less likely to be associated with up-to-date immunization.


CONCLUSIONS
In 1992 NSW had low levels of up-to-date immunization. Significantly, one-fifth of NSW families with children aged 3-24 months did not have a record of any immunizations. This could not be explained by delay in commencing immunization. Poor competency in reading English was strongly associated with failure to immunise, suggesting that there had been inadequate targeting of immunization campaigns in non-English-speaking communities.
Sullivan
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Epidemiology Unit, South-western Sydney Area Health Service, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia.
Chey
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Nossar
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D002662:Child Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017589:Immunization Programs; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors