National, state, and urban-area vaccination-coverage levels among childrenaged 19-35 months, United States, 1999

Background: Assessment of vaccination coverage is an important component of the U.S. vaccination program and is primarily measured by the National Imm unization Survey (NIS). Methods: The 1999 NIS is a nationally representative sample of children age d 19 to 35 months, verified by provider records, that is conducted to obtai n estimates of vaccination coverage rates. Results: Coverage estimates are calculated for the nation, states, and sele cted urban areas for recommended vaccines and selected vaccine series. Cove rage estimates are presented by a variety of demographic and healthcare-rel ated factors: overall, by poverty status, race/ethnicity, selected mileston e ages, participation in WIG, level of urbanicity, provider participation i n VFC, and by provider facility type. In 1999, national coverage estimates were high for most vaccines and among most demographic groups. State and ur ban-area level estimates varied.