Recent Trends and Characteristics Associated with Influenza Vaccination Disparities among Texas Children
Background: Adequate immunization of children protects them common infections and may serve as an indicator of access to health care. Racial and ethnic differentials in immunization of children may suggest differentials in access to health care. This research describes racial and ethnic differences in childhood influenza immunization coverage and identifies social and economic characteristics associated with these immunization differentials in Texas.
Methods: Using data from the National Immunization Survey racial and ethnic differences in seasonal influenza immunization among children is examined as related to social and economic characteristics of children in Texas over the period of 2004 to 2013.
Results: Findings suggest the presence of expected differences in childhood seasonal influenza immunization for Hispanic and non-Hispanic black children compared to non-Hispanic white children. Education and marital status of the mother are predictors of influenza immunization as is participation in WIC.
Conclusions: Implications of findings suggest the need for qualitative research to better understand barriers to immunization that differentially affect minority children in Texas. Addressing racial and ethnic immunization differentials among children may potentially result in reductions in other racial and ethnic health disparities as they age.