Influenza vaccination coverage among children aged 6-23 months--United States, 2006-07 influenza season

Children aged <5 years have more influenza-related medical-care visits compared with older children, and those aged <2 years are at the greatest risk for influenza-related hospitalizations. In 2002, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) encouraged annual influenza vaccination of children aged 6-23 months and then, in 2004, recommended vaccination for this group. Two doses, spaced at least 4 weeks apart, are recommended to fully vaccinate children aged <9 years who are receiving influenza vaccination for the first time. This report, based on data from the 2007 National Immunization Survey (NIS), provides an assessment of influenza vaccination coverage among children aged 6-23 months during September-December of the 2006-07 influenza season. Nationally, 31.8% of children received 1 or more doses of influenza vaccine, and 21.3% were fully vaccinated, with substantial variability among states. The findings underscore the need to increase interest in and access to influenza vaccination for more children in the United States. Further study is needed to identify knowledge deficits or logistical barriers that might contribute to continued low influenza vaccination coverage among young children.