The impact of public assistance factors on the immunization levels of children younger than 2 years

This study examined how children's immunization status varied with enrollment in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC); food stamp; and Medicaid programs. A statewide survey was used to determine the percentage of children less than 2 years of age who were up to date for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; polio; and measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines. WIC and uninsured children were more likely and AFDC and Medicaid children less likely to be up to date than others. The higher immunization status of WIC and uninsured children suggests that integrating immunization practices with government programs may be effective.