Hepatitis A vaccine uptake in San Diego County - Hispanic children are better immunized

Background: Few studies have examined compliance with hepatitis A vaccination recommendations or factors likely to predict vaccination against hepatitis A virus. Objectives: To investigate hepatitis A coverage among 3- to 17.9-year-olds in San Diego County and examine predictors of child and adolescent hepatitis A immunization. Design, Setting, and Participants: A total of 1455 participants completed a random-digit dial telephone survey that assessed hepatitis A immunization status of 3 to 17.9-year-old children from May 1 to June 24, 2003. Analysis was limited to the 983 respondents with available immunization records or verified immunization histories. Main Outcome Measures: Receipt of at least 1 hepatitis A vaccine administered on or after the child's second birthday and differences in the frequencies of vaccination based on vaccine availability, sex, ethnicity, type of health care provider, mother's highest level of educaResults: Participant response rate was 77.1%. Among all respondents aged 3 to 17.9 years, 59% received at least I hepatitis A vaccine and 41% completed the 2-shot regimen. The adjusted odds that a child received at least I hepatitis A vaccine was 3.6 times greater among Hispanic children compared with non-Hispanic children. Other predictors of hepatitis A immunization included child's age, having a public health care provider, lower maternal education, and parental knowledge of the vaccine recommendation. Conclusions: Results challenge historical patterns of underimmunization among Hispanic children compared with white children. Public health education and community awareness should be sustained in Hispanic communities, but interventions are needed in non-Hispanic communities.