Improving Immunization Coverage in Special Populations.

Abstract

This highlights the key recommendations for immunization in the setting of chronic disease, children and adults with special needs, and health care providers. Immunization is an effective strategy to reduce the burden of suffering and cost of care from chronic disease. Standard child and adolescent and adult immunization schedules identify categories of high-risk conditions and chronic diseases. Clinicians need to develop systems to evaluate patients' risk factors and tailor immunization recommendations to their individual needs. Patients with intellectual disabilities, neurologic and neurodevelopmental disorders, and autism are at higher risk for vaccine-preventable illness and face significant health disparities.