OBJECTIVES: Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for children at high risk of complications from influenza due to underlying medical conditions, but few children are vaccinated. Vaccination also is encouraged for all children aged 6 to 23 months when feasible. This study describes the prevalence and characteristics of at-risk children nationwide. STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive analysis of the 2000 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) was conducted among children in the United States aged 6 months through 17 years with identified high-risk conditions, and among all children aged 6 to 23 months. RESULTS: Approximately 5.2 to 10.0 million children aged 6 months through 17 years (7.4%-14.2%) had high-risk conditions indicated for influenza vaccination. Asthma accounted for the majority of conditions. An estimated 7.7 million children would be aged 6 to 23 months during influenza season. Most young children and older children at high-risk have access to and frequently utilize healthcare services. CONCLUSIONS: Existing doctor visits are important opportunities for vaccinating children with high-risk conditions, or for those aged 6 to 23 months. Additional efforts are needed to implement and evaluate efficient strategies for annual influenza vaccination of children aged 6 to 23 months and for older children with medical indications.
OBJECTIVES: Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for children at high risk of complications from influenza due to underlying medical conditions, but few children are vaccinated. Vaccination also is encouraged for all children aged 6 to 23 months when feasible. This study describes the prevalence and characteristics of at-risk children nationwide. STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive analysis of the 2000 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) was conducted among children in the United States aged 6 months through 17 years with identified high-risk conditions, and among all children aged 6 to 23 months. RESULTS: Approximately 5.2 to 10.0 million children aged 6 months through 17 years (7.4%-14.2%) had high-risk conditions indicated for influenza vaccination. Asthma accounted for the majority of conditions. An estimated 7.7 million children would be aged 6 to 23 months during influenza season. Most young children and older children at high-risk have access to and frequently utilize healthcare services. CONCLUSIONS: Existing doctor visits are important opportunities for vaccinating children with high-risk conditions, or for those aged 6 to 23 months. Additional efforts are needed to implement and evaluate efficient strategies for annual influenza vaccination of children aged 6 to 23 months and for older children with medical indications.
Authors: Philip Blumenshine; Arthur Reingold; Susan Egerter; Robin Mockenhaupt; Paula Braveman; James Marks Journal: Emerg Infect Dis Date: 2008-05 Impact factor: 6.883