Number of Incompletely Immunized Infants Rising in Oregon

The percentage of infants in Oregon receiving fewer than 2 vaccinations per visit before the age of 9 months tripled within a 2-year period, and only a few of the parents limiting shots followed published alternative schedules, leaving many children incompletely immunized.

Researchers from the Oregon Health Authority in Portland used the Oregon ALERT Immunization Information System to track the immunization status of children born between 2003 and 2009 in Portland.  The children were divided into 3 groups: shot-limiters, episodic limiters, and those that followed the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. 

All together, 4502 children met the definition of shot-limiters, 22,451 were episodic limiters, and 70,758 followed the recommendations.  Starting in November 2006, shot-limiting rates increased from 2.5% to 9.3% and remained stable until October 2009. 

“Compared with those with no or episodic limiting, consistent shot-limiters by 9 months of age had fewer injections but more visits when immunizations were administered. However, only a small minority of shot-limiters closely adhered to published alternative schedules,” researchers concluded.

-Michael Potts