The immunization status of children with spina bifida
M. Raddish, D. A. Goldmann, L. C. Kaplan and J. M. Perrin
Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City.
OBJECTIVE--To estimate immunization levels among children with spina bifida
and describe factors that may influence immunization completeness. RESEARCH
DESIGN--Cross-sectional survey. SETTING--Tertiary care referral center.
PATIENTS--One hundred twenty children, from 4 months to 18 years of age,
seen in the myelodysplasia clinic of Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass,
from February through August 1990. RESULTS--Fifty-eight percent of the
children 2 years of age or older and 55% of the children 7 years of age or
older had completed the immunization series recommended by the American
Academy of Pediatrics. All but one child had an identified primary care
provider. Lower immunization levels at 24 months of age occurred in older
and in poorer children. Most children (80%) received the first diphtheria
and tetanus toxoids and pertussis and oral poliovirus vaccines on time.
Immunization delay increased from 20% to 50% through the 18-month
diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis and oral poliovirus vaccines
and declined to 24% at school entry. CONCLUSIONS--Many children with spina
bifida are underimmunized despite having an identified source of primary
care.
