[The vaccination coverage among children aged 24 - 30 months in pediatric offices November 1999 - May 2001. The influence of socio-demographic characteristics].

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of socio-demographic factors on vaccination coverage of 24-30 month old children in paediatric practices.

METHODS

Vaccination coverage (VC) was documented for 15,682 children in 196 paediatric practices mainly in the region of Nordrhein. Data on socio-demographic factors were collected for 8,457 children and their influence on the vaccination status (VS) was investigated by means of logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Complete age-appropriate VC for all vaccines recommended by the Standing Committee for Vaccination (STIKO) was 49.9 %. Complete VC for Diphtheria/Tetanus (DT) was 74.6 % and for first dose measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), 82.1 %. The following factors were associated with complete VS for DT and MMR: completion of last recommended well-child visit, parents living together, low number of siblings, short time to reach practice, parents stating they felt adequately informed about vaccinations. Complete vaccination for DT was inversely associated with being health insured through social security and for MMR with the mother having graduated from high school.

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of 24-30 month old children did not have an age appropriate VS. Targeted parental education and timely vaccination strategies that take into account socio-demographic risk factors for low vaccination uptake are required.