Recent Trends in Influenza Vaccination Disparities among Texas Children

Lloyd Potter, University of Texas at San Antonio
Corey S. Sparks, University of Texas at San Antonio
Bradley Pollock, University of Texas at San Antonio
Brian Munkombwe, National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), CDC

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. Using data from the National Immunization Survey, racial and ethnic differences in seasonal influenza immunization among children are examined over the period of 2004 to 2011. Findings show 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. 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.