Up-to-date coverage with meningococcal vaccine among adolescents age 17 years: Patterns and correlates in the United States, 2017

Abstract

Limited research has explored reasons for low up-to-date coverage with meningococcal vaccine (UTD MenACWY) among adolescents at age 17 years. This analysis used National Immunization Survey–Teen data from 2017 to examine patterns of UTD MenACWY coverage. Correlates of higher UTD MenACWY coverage included black race and Hispanic ethnicity, residing in Northeast census region, recent health care visits, and receipt of recommendation for HPV vaccine. Median UTD MenACWY coverage was significantly higher in states with 1 and 2-dose requirements for school entry compared to no requirement; exemption policies were not associated. Approximately 13% of adolescents had a missed opportunity for UTD MenACWY. Future research should examine barriers to coverage at the patient, parent, provider and structural (clinic, social, policy) levels so that programs and interventions can be designed and implemented to increase coverage.