Assessment of missing immunizations and immunization-related barriers among WIC populations at the local level.
OBJECTIVE
Low childhood immunization rates have been a challenge in Colorado, an issue that was exacerbated by a diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine shortage that began in 2001. To combat this shortage, the locally based Tri-County Health Department conducted a study to assess immunization-related barriers among children in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), a population at risk for undervaccination.


METHODS
This study assessed characteristics and perceptions of WIC mothers in conjunction with their children's immunization status in four clinics.


RESULTS
Results indicated poor immunization rates, which improved with assessment and referral. The uninsured were at higher risk for undervaccination. DTaP was the most commonly missing vaccine, and discrepancies existed between the children's perceived and actual immunization status, particularly regarding DTaP. Targeted interventions were initiated as a result of this study.


CONCLUSIONS
Local health departments should target immunization-related interventions by assessing their own WIC populations to identify unique vaccine-related deficiencies, misperceptions, and high-risk subpopulations.
Ghosh
Tista S
TS
Tri-County Health Department, 7000 E. Belleview Ave., Ste. 301, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, USA. tghosh@tchd.org
Patnaik
Jennifer L
JL
Bennett
Anne
A
Trefren
Lynn
L
Vogt
Richard L
RL
D000328:Adult; D000385:Aid to Families with Dependent Children; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003120:Colorado; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D022681:Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007223:Infant; D008430:Maternal-Child Health Centers; D017057:Medically Uninsured; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014481:United States
D022681:Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis Vaccines