RT Journal
A1 Langkamp DL, Hoshaw-Woodard S, Boye ME, Lemeshow S
T1 Delays in receipt of immunizations in low-birth-weight children: A nationally representative sample
JF Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
JO Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
YR 2001
FD February 1
VO 155
IS 2
SP 167
OP 172
DO 10.1001/archpedi.155.2.167
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.155.2.167
AB Background 
    Studies of very low-birth-weight (VLBW) children discharged from neonatal intensive care units have shown delays in receipt of routine childhood immunizations. However, a recent study of VLBW children in 3 health maintenance organizations found no significant delays in immunizations.Objective 
    To assess the risk of immunization delays for moderately low-birth-weight (MLBW; 1500 g-2499 g) and VLBW (<1500 g) children compared with normal-birth-weight children in a nationally representative birth sample.Design 
    Logistic regression analysis using the 1988 National Maternal and Infant Health Survey and the 1991 Longitudinal Follow-up Survey.Setting 
    Nationally representative sample of children born in 1988 in the United States.Participants 
    A total of 8285 children whose mothers completed both surveys.Main Outcome Measures 
    Age at receipt of each of the first 4 doses of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine, the first 3 doses of polio vaccine, and the first dose of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine for MLBW and VLBW children, and normal-birth-weight children. We also examined whether children were up-to-date for all immunizations at ages 12, 24, and 36 months based on birth-weight groups.Results 
    Very low-birth-weight children received their first 3 doses of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine and their first 2 doses of polio vaccine significantly later than normal-birth-weight children (P <.001). Very low-birth-weight children were significantly less likely to be up to date for all immunizations at ages 12 months (odds ratio [OR] = .556; P = .001), 24 months (OR = .439; P <.001), and 36 months (OR = .446; P <.001) compared with normal-birth-weight children.Conclusion 
    Very low-birth-weight children are at risk for immunization delays compared with normal-birth-weight children.