Adolescent vaccination in Oklahoma: a work in progress.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nationally, uptake of adolescent vaccines is variable. OBJECTIVE: To compare adolescent immunization rates and clinician recommendation for adolescent vaccines over time in Oklahoma with the U.S. METHODS: We analyzed the 2010-2012 National Immunization Survey of Teens (NIS-Teen). RESULTS: MCV4 and Tdap are consistently lower in Oklahoma compared to the U.S. HPV rates have been comparable. Parents report that health care providers in Oklahoma are less likely to recommend adolescent vaccines compared to the national average. Intention to not receive HPV in the next 12 months is distressingly high both in Oklahoma and across the nation with both improving. CONCLUSION: Over the three years, Oklahoma's immunization rates consistently underperform national estimates for MCV4 and Tdap but not for HPV. We recommend Oklahoma health care providers improve their vaccination rates through making clear their vaccine recommendations to the parent and patient in the clinical encounter.