Immunization status and reasons for immunization delay among children using public health immunization clinics

Abstract

Objectives: To determine whether children attending our local health department clinics were being immunized in a timely manner, and to investigate the reasons for children not being immunized on schedule.

Design: Cross-sectional research design.

Setting: Five Salt Lake City/County Health Department immunization clinics in Utah.

Participants: All patients presenting to the clinics for immunization from November 1990 to March 1991 when minor illness is prevalent.

Interventions: Data were gathered through interview and questionnaire.

Measurements/main results: Children were mostly white; they came from two-parent households with reasonably high incomes and high parental education level. Only four children were denied vaccination, all for inappropriate timing. None were denied for illness. More than 75% had postponed bringing their children in for immunization. The most common reason given for delay was minor illness in the child.

Conclusion: Even in this "low-risk" population, parental misperception regarding immunizations is a significant, contributing factor to low immunization rates. Public educational programs directed at increasing parental knowledge must be developed.