Abstract
Use of the Hib vaccine during the first 15 months after licensure was studied in a university-based preschool program. Questionnaires were sent to the parents of the 176 children, ages 29-82 months, enrolled; 115 questionnaires (65.3%) were returned. Fifty seven children (49.6%) had received the Hib vaccine; the mean age at immunization was 40.6 months (range, 22-70 months). Of the 17 children who were under age 24 months at the time of vaccine licensure (April 1985), 14 (82%) were ultimately immunized. One child (age 22 months) received the vaccine before age 24 months. At 15 months after licensure, 80 percent of the 2-year-old children were immunized; 78 percent of 3 year olds; 55 percent of 4 year olds; 15 percent of 5 year olds; and 17 percent of 6 year olds.
Thus, although the vaccine was underused as defined by the current recommendations for this group of children, the majority of children at greatest risk for disease—those under age 4 years—were immunized.
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