Adolescent immunizations. are we ready for a new wave?

CONTEXT: Factors associated with vaccination coverage rates for the 20% of U.S. adolescents enrolled in managed care organizations (MCOs) are not known.

OBJECTIVES

To examine recent trends in receipt of two doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR2) and three doses of hepatitis B (Hep B3) among U.S. adolescents enrolled in managed care organizations (MCOs); to determine whether specific characteristics of MCOs are associated with higher vaccination rates; and to assess the impact of state middle school immunization requirements on these rates.

DESIGN

Longitudinal (1996-1999) and cross-sectional (1999) analyses of National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) data to estimate adolescent vaccination coverage rates for MMR2 and Hep B3. In 2002, using 1999 data only, a cross-sectional analysis examined the relationship of specific plan characteristics and state immunization laws with immunization coverage.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentage of 13 year olds in MCOs with documented receipt of MMR2 and Hep B3.

RESULTS

From 1996 to 1999, MMR2 rates increased from 56% to 64%, and from 1997 to 1999, Hep B3 rates increased from 23% to 38%. By 1999, higher rates for both vaccines had been achieved in larger plans (p<0.001 and p<0.003 for MMR2 and Hep B3, respectively), those with the highest NCQA accreditation status (p<0.003), those in New England (p<0.001), and those in states with middle school immunization requirements (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite encouraging increases, adolescent immunization rates are significantly below the Healthy People 2010 goal of 90%. State laws and accreditation incentives are effective. Research is needed to identify additional interventions to increase vaccination coverage in the adolescent population.