Validation of self-reported pneumococcal vaccination in behavioral risk factor surveillance surveys: experience from the sickness prevention achieved through regional collaboration (SPARC) program

Behavioral risk factor surveillance system (BRFSS) is the primary surveillance tool for the ongoing measurement of state-specific delivery of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. This study is the first validity assessment of self-reported pneumococcal vaccination status in a population-wide BRFSS survey. A subset of respondents to the sickness prevention achieved through regional collaboration (SPARC) BRFSS survey, which was conducted from June to September 1997 in a four-county area were assessed. Self-reporting of pneumococcal vaccination status was validated either by matching to Medicare claims or by reviewing of medical records. Self-reporting of pneumococcal vaccination had a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 83%. We conclude that self-reporting of pneumococcal immunization is a moderately sensitive and specific measure and that population-based surveys in the community can be validated when undertaken in collaboration with a local health care agency.