Recent Trends and Characteristics Associated with Influenza Vaccination Disparities among Texas Children

This is the data and code for conducing our analysis. 

Background:
Adequate immunization
of children protects them common infections and may serve as an
indicator of access to health care. Racial and ethnic differentials
in immunization of children may suggest differentials in access to
health care. This research describes racial and ethnic differences in
childhood influenza immunization coverage and identifies social and
economic characteristics associated with these immunization
differentials in Texas.

Methods:
Using data from the
National Immunization Survey racial and ethnic differences in
seasonal influenza immunization among children is examined as related
to social and economic characteristics of children in Texas over the
period of 2004 to 2013.

Results:
Findings suggest the presence of expected differences in childhood
seasonal influenza immunization for Hispanic and non-Hispanic black
children compared to non-Hispanic white children. Education and
marital status of the mother are predictors of influenza immunization
as is participation in WIC.

Conclusions:
Implications of findings suggest the need for qualitative research to
better understand barriers to immunization that differentially affect
minority children in Texas. Addressing racial and ethnic immunization
differentials among children may potentially result in reductions in
other racial and ethnic health disparities as they age.