Determining immunization rates for inner-city infants: statewide registry data vs medical record review.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the benefit of consulting a statewide immunization registry for inner-city infants whose immunizations appeared, after single-site chart review, to have been delayed.


METHODS
We prospectively enrolled 315 newborns in 3 inner-city pediatric clinics. When the infants turned 7 months old, we obtained immunization data from clinic charts and the state registry.


RESULTS
On the basis of chart review, 147 infants (47%) were assessed to be delayed in their immunizations; of these, registry data revealed that 28 (19%) had received additional immunizations and 15 (10%) were actually up to date.


CONCLUSIONS
A statewide registry can capture immunizations from multiple sources, improving accurate determination of immunization rates in a mobile, inner-city population.
Stille
C J
CJ
University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, USA. stillec@ummhc.org
Christison-Lagay
J
J
D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003237:Connecticut; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012042:Registries; D014505:Urban Population