Determining immunization rates for inner-city infants: statewide registry data vs medical record review.

Abstract

This study evaluated the benefit of consulting a statewide immunization registry for inner-city infants whose immunizations appeared, after single-site chart review, to have been delayed. We prospectively enrolled 315 newborns in 3 inner-city pediatric clinics. When the infants turned 7 months old, we obtained immunization data from clinic charts and the state registry. On the basis of chart review, 147 infants (47%) were assessed to be delayed in their immunizations; of these, registry data revealed that 28 (19%) had received additional immunizations and 15 (10%) were actually up to date. A statewide registry can capture immunizations from multiple sources, improving accurate determination of immunization rates in a mobile, inner-city population.