ArticleVaccine Eligibility in Hospitalized Children: Spotlight on a Unique Healthcare Opportunity

ObjectiveThe goals of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of an inpatient documentation system for identifying missed vaccine opportunities and to identify parental satisfaction with their vaccination services.MethodsA prospective descriptive study compared inpatient documentation of vaccine history with actual vaccine records, and adherence with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidelines was assessed. A parental satisfaction survey was administered.ResultsOne hundred sixty pediatric patients ages 2 months to 17 years (mean age 8 years) were enrolled. Seventy-six percent of patients had documentation of vaccine history, and 92% were documented as receiving all age-appropriate vaccines. Actual immunization records showed that 16% percent of patients were in compliance with Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidelines. The most commonly missed vaccine was influenza (67%) followed by meningococcal (57%), hepatitis A (48%), and varicella (38%). Ninety percent of parents were satisfied with the vaccination services their child had received.ConclusionA review of vaccine records is recommended to accurately assess status. Inpatient hospitalization represents an opportunity to assess vaccination status, address parental concerns, and provide updated vaccinations.