Decline in Vaccination Rates Among Young Children: CDC Study

Decrease in Vaccination Rates

A study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a decline in the number of young children receiving common vaccinations. The study reveals that 1.2 percent of children born in 2020 or 2021 have not received any vaccinations by the age of 2, compared to 0.9 percent of children born in 2018 or 2019.

Drop in Coverage of Recommended Vaccines

The CDC researchers also noted a decrease in the coverage of each recommended vaccine. For example, only 91.9 percent of children born in 2020 or 2021 have received at least three doses of a polio vaccine, a drop of 1.5 percent from those born in 2018 or 2019. The largest reduction was recorded in influenza vaccination, from 63.4 percent to 55.6 percent.

Methodology of the Study

The coverage estimates were determined through the CDC’s National Immunization Survey, which is based on responses from vaccine providers for 28,688 children. The CDC recommends numerous vaccine doses for children before age 1, and additional doses in a child’s early years, including an annual dose of an influenza shot.

Vaccination Rates by Ethnicity

The study also analyzed the data by ethnicity and found that white children were most likely to have no vaccinations, with 1.4 percent having none compared to 0.9 percent of black children and 1 percent of Hispanic children. Coverage of certain vaccines, such as the full schedule of the rotavirus vaccine, was lower among minorities.

Possible Reasons for Decline in Vaccinations

The decrease in child vaccinations could be attributed to parents' beliefs, as per surveys, including a 2023 Pew Research survey that found a majority of respondents with children aged zero to four believe that not all childhood vaccines are necessary. Financial barriers could also be a contributing factor, as insurance does not cover all vaccines.

Limitations of the Study

The study, published by the CDC’s quasi-journal, had some limitations. Responses were available from only about half of the providers of children whose parents first filled out the surveys, which could result in selection bias, the researchers noted.

Vaccine Coverage in U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands

In a separate study published by the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, researchers found that coverage of certain vaccines has dropped in some U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands from 2017 to 2021, although it has increased for other vaccines.

Bottom Line

The decline in vaccination rates among young children is a concerning trend that warrants further investigation. It's crucial to understand the reasons behind this trend and to develop strategies to address it. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think there should be more efforts to increase the vaccination rates among young children? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss it. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.