Racial/ethnic disparities in preschool immunizations: United States, 1996-2001.
OBJECTIVE
We examined current racial/ethnic differences in immunization coverage rates among US preschool children.


METHODS
Using National Immunization Survey data from 1996 through 2001, we compared vaccination coverage rates between non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and Asian preschool children.


RESULTS
During the 6-year study period, the immunization coverage gap between White and Black children widened by an average of 1.1% each year, and the gap between White and Hispanic children widened by an average of 0.5% each year. The gap between White and Asian children narrowed by an average of 0.8% each year.


CONCLUSIONS
Racial/ethnic disparities in preschool immunization coverage rates have increased significantly among some groups; critical improvements in identifying, understanding, and addressing race/ethnicity-specific health care differences are needed to achieve the Healthy People 2010 goal of eliminating disparities.
Chu
Susan Y
SY
National Immunization Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Mail Stop E-5, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. syc1@cdc.gov
Barker
Lawrence E
LE
Smith
Philip J
PJ
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003625:Data Collection; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D044469:Racial Groups; D012923:Social Class; D012935:Social Justice; D014481:United States