Progress in coverage with hepatitis B vaccine among US children, 1994-1997.
OBJECTIVE
This study was done to assess progress in hepatitis B vaccination of children from 1994 through 1997.


METHODS
We used data from the National Immunization Survey (NIS), a random-digit-dialed telephone survey that includes a mail survey to verify vaccination providers' records. The NIS is conducted in 78 geographic areas (50 states and 28 selected urban areas) in the United States.


RESULTS
A total of 32,433 household interviews were completed in the 1997 NIS. An estimated 83.7% of children aged 19 to 35 months received 3 or more doses of hepatitis B vaccine. Coverage with 3 doses was greater (86.7%) among children in states that had day care entry requirements for hepatitis B vaccination than among children in states without such requirements (83.0%) and was greater among children from families with incomes at or above the poverty level (85.0%) than among children below the poverty level (80.6%). Hepatitis B vaccination of children increased from 1994 through 1996, from 41% to 84%, but coverage reached a constant level of 84% to 85% in 1996/97.


CONCLUSIONS
Although substantial progress has been made in fully vaccinating children against hepatitis B, greater efforts are needed to ensure that all infants receive 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine.
Yusuf
H R
HR
Immunization Services Division, Atlanta, Ga. 30333, USA.
Coronado
V G
VG
Averhoff
F A
FA
Maes
E F
EF
Rodewald
L E
LE
Battaglia
M P
MP
Mahoney
F J
FJ
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014481:United States
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines