Vaccination levels and missed opportunities for measles vaccination: a record audit in a public pediatric clinic
Farizo, K.M.; Stehr-Green, P.A.; Markowitz, L.E.; Patriarca, P.A.
Pediatrics 89(4 Part 1): 589-592
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-4005 PMID: 1557235 Document Number: 393385
A record audit of 254 children attending a public clinic in Los Angeles was conducted to assess immunization levels prior to a measles outbreak in the community. Coverage with all vaccines appropriate for age decreased from 67% at 3 months to 25% at 19 months. Delay in initiating vaccination was associated with increasing risk for delayed measles-mumps-rubella vaccine beyond age 2 years (P less than .05). In one third of children, health care providers missed an opportunity to administer measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. Recall systems and elimination of missed opportunities may increase vaccination levels in clinic populations. Record audits should be considered for use in guiding the management of immunization programs.