The effect of race and residence on the receipt of childhood immunizations: 1993-2001

Abstract

Objective: To determine if rural minority children ages 3-71 months are more likely than similar aged urban minorities to have delays in their immunization status.

Methods: Secondary analysis of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for the years 1993-2001.

Findings: There were no substantial differences between the up-to-date immunization status of children living in metropolitan areas compared to children living in rural areas. There does appear to be a delay in introducing new vaccines into rural areas compared to metropolitan areas during the first 2 years of the vaccine recommendation. There were no significant differences in immunization status between Whites, Blacks and Hispanics living in metropolitan and rural areas.

Conclusions: Rural minority children are no more likely than other children to have delayed immunizations.