Exploring Factors Influencing Childhood Immunization Rates

Abstract

Background: Coverage for childhood vaccinations has fallen below Healthy People 2020 targets. Known barriers to childhood immunizations include vaccination opposition, low parental education, low income, health systems’ policies, and misinformation. Known facilitators include high parental income and education levels; clinician reminders; more convenient immunization schedule; and vaccine information provided by healthcare providers. Purpose: The purpose of this program evaluation was to explore the barriers and facilitators for completion of childhood immunizations among students in a rural middle school. Methods: Data was collected from an immunization record audit at a School-Based Health Center (SBHC), key informant interviews, and a tool that determined readability of vaccination information. Findings: A record audit of 52 students revealed an immunization coverage of 92.3%. More White students had incomplete immunization coverage than minority students. The readability of required government vaccination information was at the 11th grade reading level. Conclusions: The SBHC model is effective for ensuring immunization coverage of required immunizations. Specific facilitators include clinician reminders and convenience of appointments, both provided by the SBHC. An immunization infographic might offer easy understandability to supplement the required vaccination information sheets.