Military Children Show Notable Vaccine Completion Improvements: But Challenges Remain!

A recent study reveals promising advancements in vaccine completion rates among military children, yet significant challenges linger, particularly for those with younger parents and changing healthcare locations. The findings were published on September 19 in the journal Pediatrics.

The research team, led by Celeste J. Romano from the Naval Health Research Center in San Diego, examined records from military hospitals for children born between 2010 and 2019. They assessed the completion and timeliness of essential vaccinations, including those for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; polio; measles, mumps, and rubella; hepatitis B; Haemophilus influenzae type b; varicella; and pneumococcal conjugate. This evaluation also included a comprehensive seven-vaccine series for children up to 24 months of age.

The study revealed that 74.4% of the 275,967 children analyzed completed the seven-vaccine series, although 36.2% of these children experienced delays in their vaccinations. Notably, completion rates for children born in 2016 and 2017 reached a peak of 78.7%. Vaccination rates showed variability: for instance, the completion rate for the rotavirus vaccine stood at 77.5%, while the rates for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and pneumococcal conjugate were 83.1%, 86.6%, and 88.4%, respectively.

Significantly, children with younger parents faced a heightened risk for noncompletion, with an adjusted risk ratio of 1.33. Additionally, children who changed their well-child care location also showed increased risk (adjusted risk ratio, 1.10). These patterns not only highlight delays in immunization but also signal broader barriers to effective healthcare access.

The authors emphasized, "Identified patterns in undervaccination indicate continued challenges to immunization services delivery. Further work is needed to address these barriers to vaccination and improve access to care."

As military families often face unique challenges, such as frequent relocations and high demands associated with service life, it is crucial to implement strategies that ensure timely vaccinations. Health professionals are calling for enhanced support systems to assist parents in navigating healthcare services, particularly those that facilitate consistent care and ensure children receive timely vaccinations.

The community and policymakers must rally to identify and dismantle these barriers, ensuring all military children can benefit from vital immunizations, safeguarding their health now and in the future. Stay tuned for more updates on this critical public health issue!