The school-based immunization survey: an inexpensive tool for measuring vaccine coverage

Am J Public Health. 1993 Dec;83(12):1749-51. doi: 10.2105/ajph.83.12.1749.

Abstract

A school-based immunization survey was conducted among the 36 Rochester, NY, elementary schools (n = 5584 children) to determine (1) the vaccination rates at 2 years of age by type of primary care provider and (2) the accuracy of school immunization records (by comparing them with medical charts for children attending hospital-based clinics). These rates varied by provider type from 58% to 86% and were all below the national goal of 90%. In comparison with medical chart review, the school data had error rates of 15%; however, these errors occurred in both directions and were thus unbiased. School-based surveys include children who lack connections to the primary care system. With minimal effort these surveys can help identify populations in need of intervention.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bias
  • Child, Preschool
  • Continuity of Patient Care
  • Data Collection
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Health Services Research
  • Health Status Indicators
  • Humans
  • Immunization Programs / standards*
  • Medical Records / standards
  • Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  • Primary Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • School Health Services* / statistics & numerical data
  • Utilization Review
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data*