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Therefore, CDC does not consider this ASCII text file to represent a copy of record of the MMWR. -------------------------------------------------------------- National, State, and Urban Area Vaccination Coverage Levels Among Children Aged 19-35 Months -- United States, April 1994-March 1995 The National Immunization Survey (NIS) is an ongoing survey to provide national, state, and selected urban area estimates of vaccination coverage levels among children aged 19-35 months. CDC implemented NIS in April 1994 as one element of the five-part Childhood Immunization Initiative (CII) (1), a national strategy to achieve and maintain high vaccination levels among children during the first 2 years of life; CII contains interim goals to the year 2000 national objectives (2). NIS collects quarterly data from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 27 urban areas considered to be at high risk for undervaccination. This report provides the results of national, state, and urban area vaccination coverage levels for April 1994-March 1995, which document the highest overall vaccination levels ever achieved for preschool-aged children in the United States, but a wide range (41 percentage points) between areas with the highest and lowest vaccination coverage levels. NIS uses a two-phase sample design: the first phase employs a quarterly random sample of telephone numbers for each survey area and includes administration of a screening questionnaire to respondents aged greater than or equal to 18 years to locate households with one or more children aged 19-35 months. Vaccination information is collected for age-eligible children. All respondents are asked to refer to written records; however, reports from recall also are accepted. During April 1994-March 1995, approximately 1.6 million telephone numbers were called, and 33,876 interviews were completed (an average of 434 interviews per area). The overall response rate for eligible households was 70% (range: 60%-85% among the 78 survey sites). In the second phase, vaccination information is requested from health-care providers of children in surveyed households. During 1994, households were excluded that used records indicating their children received all recommended doses of four specific vaccines.* All households identified in the first quarter of 1995 were included in the second phase. Based on exclusions, 27,108 (80%) children were eligible for the second phase; of these, vaccination information was obtained from providers for 11,609 (43%) children. The demographic characteristics and the reported vaccination histories were similar for children in households with and without provider information. Overall, for 54% of the children in the survey, either written records of having received all of the required doses for the four vaccines were available, or vaccination information based on provider records was available. The data obtained from provider records enabled improvements in the accuracy of the vaccination coverage estimates for the entire sample. Standard two-phase estimation procedures (3) were used to estimate vaccination coverage for each surveyed area. Estimates were adjusted using natality data to create a weighted sample representative of children aged 19-35 months in the United States; in addition, adjustments were made for non-response and for exclusion of households without a telephone because children in households without telephones are less likely to be vaccinated than children in households with a telephone (4; CDC, unpublished data, 1995). Based on NIS, among children born during May 1991-August 1993 and who were aged 19-35 months (median age: 27 months) at the time of the survey, estimated vaccination coverage was greater than 90% for three or more doses of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine (DTP); coverage for three or more doses of poliovirus vaccine, one dose of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR), and three or more doses of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib) ranged from 84% to 90% (Table 1). Hepatitis B vaccine coverage was 42% and ranged from 24% for children aged 25-35 months to 58% for children aged 19-24 months. Estimated vaccination coverage was 75% (95% confidence interval [CI]=plus or minus 1.0%) for receipt of at least four doses of DTP, three doses of poliovirus vaccine, and one dose of MMR (4:3:1 series). When the series was expanded to include three doses of Hib (4:3:1:3 series), estimated coverage levels were 72% (95% CI=plus or minus 1.1%). The lower overall coverage for the 4:3:1 and 4:3:1:3 series compared with coverage for the individual vaccines was accounted for primarily by low coverage for the fourth dose of DTP (77%). State-specific estimated coverage levels for the 4:3:1 series ranged from 63% (95% CI=plus or minus 5.3%) to 87% (95% CI=plus or minus 4.1%), and for the 4:3:1:3 series from 59% (95% CI=plus or minus 5.3%) to 86% (95% CI=plus or minus 4.2%) (Table 2). Estimated coverage levels among selected large urban areas ranged from 52% (95% CI=plus or minus 8.2%) to 87% (95% CI=plus or minus 5.2%) for the 4:3:1 series, and from 46% (95% CI=plus or minus 8.0%) to 87% (95% CI=plus or minus 5.2%) for the 4:3:1:3 series (Table 3). To assess the validity of estimates from NIS, findings were compared with coverage estimates from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) (CDC, unpublished data, 1995), a national household survey of the U.S. civilian, noninstitutionalized population. During 1994, NHIS data had been supplemented with provider information in the same manner as in NIS. The estimated coverage levels in NIS of 75% for the 4:3:1 series and 72% for the 4:3:1:3 series were similar to those in NHIS (73% and 71%, respectively). Vaccine coverage levels for each vaccine (except for hepatitis B) were nearly identical (Table 1). Reported by: National Center for Health Statistics; Assessment Br, Data Management Div, National Immunization Program, CDC. Editorial Note: The NIS data provide the first population-based state and urban area-specific estimates of vaccination coverage produced by a standard methodology for the United States. NIS permits monitoring of coverage levels of existing vaccines and tracking of the implementation of vaccination with new vaccines. Vaccination coverage estimates from the April 1994-March 1995 NIS and the 1994 NHIS are the highest ever recorded in the United States. In particular, findings from NIS indicate achievement of the 1996 CII goal for 90% coverage with three doses each of DTP and Hib, and the 90% coverage goals for polio and measles were nearly attained (5). Estimated coverage for hepatitis B, the vaccine most recently added to the pediatric schedule, was the lowest because, within the 19-35-month age group, many children were born before this vaccine was recommended (6). Estimated coverage increased with successive age cohorts born after the recommendation for hepatitis B was widely disseminated (Table 1). In addition, the NIS-based estimate of coverage for hepatitis B vaccine probably exceeds that from NHIS because NHIS assessed coverage from January through December 1994, when a higher proportion of children were born before promulgation of the recommendation for universal hepatitis B vaccination. In addition, NIS assessed coverage from April 1994 through March 1995, when all children surveyed were born after the recommendation went into effect. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recently reaffirmed its recommendation for a fourth dose of DTP for all children aged 12-18 months (1). Recently completed field trials suggest that the efficacy of whole-cell vaccine can decrease substantially greater than 6 months after the third dose and underscore the need for boosting immunity with a fourth dose of DTP (7,8). Findings in this report indicate that coverage with four doses of DTP was the lowest of the four vaccines included in the combined series, emphasizing the importance of intensifying efforts to ensure timely administration of the fourth dose of DTP and the need for simultaneous administration with other vaccines recommended for children aged 12-18 months. One of the national health objectives for the year 2000 is to achieve series-complete coverage for the recommended vaccines among at least 90% of children aged 2 years (objective 20.11) (2). Series-specific coverage levels that include Hib (i.e., 4:3:1:3 series) are reported here. All children included in the survey were born after October 1990, when recommendations for universal Hib vaccination of infants became effective. Coverage levels varied substantially by state and large urban areas (e.g., a difference of 27 percentage points in 4:3:1:3 coverage between the states and 41 percentage points between the urban areas with the highest and lowest reported coverage levels). Although reasons for these differences have not been determined, these findings suggest that the national goals are achievable and that effective approaches should be adapted from the most successful areas. Efforts must be intensified to increase coverage among children in those areas with the lowest coverage. Publication of the state NIS data in August 1995 assisted in strengthening vaccination program activities at the state level in some areas with the lowest coverage (9). For example, in Michigan, related efforts have included creation of a new plan to address undervaccination; organization of meetings with health-care providers, community groups, and business leaders to discuss undervaccination; and conducting an immunization summit at which the Michigan Department of Public Health initiated a new statewide vaccination information campaign. In Missouri, the governor established as a priority the need to increase vaccination levels of children aged less than 2 years and established goals of increasing levels to 75% by 1996 and to 90% by 1997. CDC will continue to use data from NIS and NHIS to evaluate progress toward national vaccination goals and to stimulate further efforts to improve vaccination coverage. References 1. CDC. Reported vaccine-preventable diseases--United States, 1993, and the Childhood Immunization Initiative. MMWR 1994;43:57-60. 2. Public Health Service. Healthy people 2000: national health promotion and disease prevention objectives--full report, with commentary. Washington, DC: US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, 1991; DHHS publication no. (PHS)91-50212. 3. Cochran WG. Double sampling. In: Cochran WG. Sampling techniques. 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 1977:327-58. 4. Massey JT, Botman SL. Weighting adjustments for random digit dialed surveys. In: Groves RM, Biemer PP, Lyberg LE, Massey JT, Nicholls WL, Waksborg J. Telephone survey methodology. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 1988:143-60. 5. CDC. Recommended childhood immunization schedule--United States, 1995. MMWR 1995; 44(no. RR-5). 6. CDC. Hepatitis B virus: a comprehensive strategy for eliminating transmission in the United States through universal childhood vaccination: recommendations of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP). MMWR 1991;40(no. RR-13). 7. Greco D, Salmaso S, Mastrantonio P, et al. A controlled trial of two acellular vaccines and one whole-cell vaccine against pertussis. N Engl J Med 1996;334:341-8. 8. Gustafsson L, Hallander HO, Olin P, Reizenstein E, Storsaeter J. A controlled trial of a two-compound acellular, a five-component acellular, and a whole-cell pertussis vaccine. N Engl J Med 1996;334:349-55. 9. CDC. State and national vaccination coverage levels among children aged 19-35 months--United States, April-December 1994. MMWR 1995;44:613,619-23. * These vaccines were four doses of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine, three doses of poliovirus vaccine, one dose of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, and three doses of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine. Continued Sexual Risk Behavior Among HIV-Seropositive, Drug-Using Men -- Atlanta; Washington, D.C.; and San Juan, Puerto Rico, 1993 Behaviors associated with increased risk for sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by infected persons include unprotected intercourse, multiple sex partners, use of crack cocaine, failure to disclose serostatus to sex partners, and trading sex for money or drugs. Some sexually active, HIV-infected persons in the United States continue to practice risky behaviors (1-4). To characterize continued sexual risk behaviors among HIV-positive, illicit-drug-using men, in 1993 CDC analyzed data from such men recruited for a small group-intervention program in three cities--Atlanta; Washington, D.C.; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicate that some seropositive men continue to engage in unprotected sex. Data were collected from interviews administered by trained, on-site interviewers of 120 men known to be HIV-seropositive and illicit-drug users. They were recruited through support groups and a day drug-treatment program for assisting HIV-infected persons; four persons were excluded because of incomplete data. The 116 men included 63 from San Juan, 38 from Atlanta, and 15 from Washington; all reported use of injected drugs or noninjection use of cocaine during the preceding year. Information obtained during the interviews included demographic data; respondents' perceptions of personal health; HIV-related services received; and sexual risk behaviors, including unprotected sexual intercourse with steady, nonsteady, and commercial sex partners (i.e., men who were male prostitutes or had had sex with prostitutes). Risk behaviors were reported for sexual activity during the preceding 30 days. To assess an association between unprotected sex and selected characteristics (i.e., race/ethnicity, age, perceptions of health status, services being received, use of crack cocaine, route of drug administration, and frequency of drug use), data on the men reporting unprotected anal or vaginal sex were analyzed by contingency table chi-square techniques. The mean age of the 116 men was 36 years (range: 22-54 years). The men had known of their HIV seropositivity for an average of 49 months, and most (100 [86%]) were participating in two or more HIV-related services, including case management, HIV and substance-abuse-related support groups, and medical care; 60 (52%) had been admitted to residential drug treatment for at least 1 month during the preceding year. Most (83 [72%]) reported having used crack cocaine. Of the 116 men, 35 (30%) reported engaging in sexual intercourse greater than or equal to 12 times during the preceding 30 days. A total of 39 (34%) reported two or more sex partners, 32 (28%) reported having vaginal or anal sex without a condom, and 22 (23%) reported having traded sex for drugs or money. A total of 37 (32%) had not disclosed their HIV status to all partners, and 73 (63%) were either unaware of any partners' HIV status or believed they were negative. The 32 men who reported sex without a condom were significantly more likely than those who used condoms to report multiple sex partners, having oral sex, trading sex for money or drugs, failure to disclose HIV serostatus, and having intercourse greater than or equal to 12 times (pless than or equal to 0.05). These men were at high risk for infecting their sex partners and reported a mean of four sex partners (range: one-25) with an average of 14 sex acts without a condom for all partners during the preceding month. Reported by: SC Kalichman, PhD, Psychology Dept, Georgia State Univ, Atlanta. Behavioral Intervention Research Br, Div of STD Prevention, National Center for Prevention Svcs, CDC. Editorial Note: The findings in this report underscore that some persons with HIV infection need ongoing assistance and support to acquire and maintain safer sex practices. For example, in this study, men who reported not using condoms were more likely than men who reported using condoms to report trading sex for money or drugs. This finding indicates the need for further characterization of the behavioral and environmental determinants of continued unsafe sexual behavior among HIV-seropositive, illicit-drug users. In addition, the findings indicate opportunities for strengthening prevention because most of these men already were linked to ongoing community programs that provide drug treatment, mental health services, health care, and psychologic support. Such programs also should educate, motivate, and assist patients in acquiring skills needed to maintain safer practices. References 1. Higgins DH, Galavotti C, O'Reilly KR, et al. Evidence for the effects of HIV antibody counseling and testing on risk behaviors. JAMA 1991;266:2419-29. 2. Cleary PD, VanDevanter N, Rogers TP, et al. Behavior changes after notification of HIV infection. Am J Public Health 1991;81:1586-90. 3. Otten MW, Zaidi AA, Wroten JE, et al. Changes in sexually transmitted disease rates after HIV testing and post-test counseling, Miami, 1988 to 1989. Am J Public Health 1993;83:529-33. 4. Singh BK, Koman JJ, Catan VM, et al. Sexual risk behavior among injection drug-using human immunodeficiency virus-positive clients. Int J Addict 1993;28:735-47.