Teen Immunization Rates Lag

(October 10, 2008) - Teenagers aren't getting immunized (Read about "Immunizations") at the same rates as their younger brothers and sisters. Adolescent immunization rates lag behind those of younger children, according to a new study, "Adolescent Immunizations: Missed Opportunities for Prevention."

Researchers reviewed the health records of nearly 24,000 adolescents over an eight year period. During that time, the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that all adolescents be immunized against hepatitis B, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria (Td), and varicella (chicken pox). In the study, only 84 percent of the 13-year-old patients were up-to-date on their Td immunizations, 74 percent on MMR, and 67 percent on Hepatitis B. (Read about "Childhood Illnesses" "Hepatitis B")

The researchers identified missed opportunities to administer the Td vaccine in 84 percent of the health care visits, including preventive care visits. However, adolescents who regularly attended preventive care visits were more likely to be up-to-date on immunizations.

The study authors conclude that physicians and health care providers need to develop more effective strategies to ensure immunization compliance.

In 2008, the AAP and CDC expanded their immunization recommendations to also include vaccines to prevent meningococcal disease (meningitis), pertussis and human papillomavirus. (Read about "Encephalitis & Meningitis" "STDs")