THE SCHOOL-BASED IMMUNIZATION SURVEY - AN INEXPENSIVE TOOL FOR MEASURING VACCINE COVERAGE

A school-based immunization survey was conducted among the 36 Rocheste r, NY, elementary schools (n = 5584 children) to determine (1) the vac cination rates at 2 years of age by type of primary care provider and (2) the accuracy of school immunization records (by comparing them wit h medical charts for children attending hospital-based clinics). These rates varied by provider type from 58% to 86% and were all below the national goal of 90%. In comparison with medical chart review, the sch ool data had error rates of 15%; however, lese errors occurred in both directions and were thus unbiased. School-based surveys include child ren who lack connections to the primary care system. With minimal effo rt these surveys can help identify populations in need of intervention .