Influenza vaccination coverage and timeliness among children requiring two doses, 2004–2009

Abstract Objective To assess influenza vaccination coverage and timeliness among children requiring two doses in a season. Methods This study examined seasonal influenza vaccination of 17,800 children from five academically-affiliated clinics in New York City using hospital and city immunization registries. Eligible children were 6 months–8 years and needed two influenza vaccine doses in a given season between 2004–05 and 2009–10. Any (≥ 1 dose) and full (2 doses) vaccination coverage by December 15 and March 31 as well as interval between doses were calculated. Vaccination trends over time, determinants, and missed opportunities were assessed. Results Children were primarily Latino and publicly insured. Full coverage by March 31 increased between the 2004–05 and 2009–10 seasons (9% vs. 29%, p p Conclusion Despite improvements, low-income, minority children requiring two influenza vaccine doses remain at risk of incomplete and delayed vaccination. Barriers to and strategies for timely full vaccination should be explored.