CDC - Seasonal Influenza (Flu) - Vaccination Coverage Levels: 6-23 Months

Influenza Vaccination Coverage among Children Aged 6–23 Months — United States, 2008–09 Influenza Season

Infants and children aged <5 years, but especially younger than 2 years old, are at increased risk for severe complications from influenza, including emergency department visits and hospitalization.(1) The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) first encouraged seasonal influenza vaccination of all children aged 6-23 months in 2002 and then, in 2004, recommended vaccination for this age group.(1,2) The recommendation for vaccination was expanded in 2006 to include all children 6-59 months. Using data from the 2009 National Immunization Survey (NIS), this report examines the proportion of children aged 6-23 months with provider-reported influenza vaccination for the 2008-09 influenza season. National and state-specific estimates for receipt of ≥1 dose and for children fully vaccinated are shown. Key findings

* 41.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 39.9-43.2) of children aged 6-23 months in the United States received 1 or more doses of influenza vaccine during September through December 2008.
* 24.7% (95% CI 23.4-26.1; range among areas, 8.7% to 45.9%, Table) were fully vaccinated against influenza.
* Substantial variability in influenza vaccination coverage was observed among states and local areas (Table). The estimated percentages of children who were fully vaccinated with influenza vaccine exceeded 40% in six states (Massachusetts 45.9%, Minnesota 41.1%, New Hampshire 43.3%, Rhode Island 43.9%, Vermont 43.6%, and Wisconsin 41.2%). Full vaccination coverage was less than 15% in three states (Arkansas 14.2%, California 14.9%, and Mississippi 8.7%) and two local areas (Los Angeles County, California 9.0% and El Paso County, Texas 7.5%).
* Nationally, the percentage of children receiving at least one dose of influenza vaccine and the percentage of children fully vaccinated was similar to the previous (2007-08) influenza season (3) Figure 1.
* Over one third (40.4%) of children who received at least 1 dose of influenza vaccine required, but did not receive, a second dose by January 31 (or by date of interview, if interviewed in January).
* The first (or only) dose of influenza vaccination was most often given in weeks 42-46 (i.e., October 19-November 22) with a drop in doses administered during week 47 (i.e., November 23-29, the week including the holiday of Thanksgiving; Figure 2). Among children requiring 2 doses, the second dose was most often administered in weeks 46-50 (i.e., November 16-December 20).

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CDC - Seasonal Influenza (Flu) - Vaccination Coverage Levels: 6-23 Months