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. 2006 Apr;96(4):697-701.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2004.053413. Epub 2006 Feb 28.

Effect of a national vaccine shortage on vaccine coverage for American Indian/Alaska Native children

Amy V Groom  1 , James E Cheek, Ralph T Bryan
Affiliations

Effect of a national vaccine shortage on vaccine coverage for American Indian/Alaska Native children

Amy V Groom et al. Am J Public Health. 2006 Apr.

Abstract

Objectives: We determined the effect of national vaccine shortages on coverage with 4 doses of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine for American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) children.

Methods: Data on DTaP coverage for children aged 19 to 27 months were abstracted from Indian Health Service (IHS) immunization reports. Coverage with the fourth DTaP dose (DTaP4) was compared for different periods to determine coverage levels before, during, and after the shortage. Data were stratified geographically to determine regional variation.

Results: AIAN children experienced a significant decline (14.8%) in DTaP4 coverage during the shortage. Considerable variation was seen among IHS regions (declines ranged from 4.5% to 26.5%).

Conclusions: AIAN children included in IHS immunization reports experienced a greater decline in DTaP4 coverage during the shortage than the decline reported nationally for children receiving vaccine at public clinics (14.8% vs 6%). Variations in the decline in coverage highlight possible inequities in vaccine supply and distribution and in implementation of vaccine shortage recommendations. We must identify ways to ensure more equitable vaccine distribution and consistent implementation of vaccine recommendations to protect all children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

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Figures

FIGURE 1—
FIGURE 1—
Combination of Indian Health Service Areas into regional groups.
FIGURE 2—
FIGURE 2—
Coverage with fourth dose of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis (DTaP4) vaccine and third dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV3) for all Indian Health Service Areas combined: April 2000 to September 2004.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Update on the supply of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids and of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2001;50:189–190. - PubMed
    1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Update: supply of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2002;50:1159.
    1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated recommendations on the use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in a setting of vaccine shortage—Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2001;50:1140–1142.
    1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shortage of varicella and measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines and interim recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2002;51:190–191. - PubMed
    1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices page. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/ACIP/default.htm. Accessed August 16, 2004.

MeSH terms

Substances