Recent findings highlighted by the American Academy of Pediatrics show a concerning decline in vaccination rates among young children for five important vaccines, including influenza and the hepatitis B birth dose. While overall coverage for many routine childhood immunizations remains stable, these declines reinforce the importance of strong provider communication and proactive immunization planning.
Other Vaccines Showing Modest Declines
According to the report, the most significant decrease was seen in influenza vaccination, with two-dose coverage dropping from 61% to roughly 54%, continuing a pattern that has not rebounded since the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to flu and HepB, the data reflect modest decreases in coverage for:
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Rotavirus
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines
The report also highlights ongoing disparities in vaccination coverage. Lower rates were observed among Black and Hispanic children, children living in poverty, and those in rural communities. These gaps reinforce the importance of targeted outreach and equitable access to immunization services.
What Pediatric Practices Can Do
For pediatric and family medicine practices, this is more than a public health headline it is a call to strengthen outreach, education, and vaccine confidence efforts. Families continue to have questions about vaccine timing, safety, and necessity, especially for vaccines given early in life such as the HepB birth dose and annual influenza immunization.
Healthcare providers remain the most trusted source of vaccine information. This makes every well-child visit, vaccine follow-up, and seasonal outreach campaign an opportunity to close immunization gaps. Consider these strategies to improve vaccination rates:
- Strengthen Reminder & Recall Systems: Use EHR alerts, text reminders, and patient portal messaging to notify families when vaccines are due or overdue.
- Reinforce Birth Dose Education: Ensure parents understand the importance of the HepB birth dose as a first line of protection, especially before hospital discharge and during newborn follow-up visits.
- Prioritize Flu Vaccine Conversations Early: Begin flu vaccine education before the season begins and incorporate messaging into back-to-school and fall wellness visits.
- Use Trusted Family Resources: Provide evidence-based educational materials that support provider-family conversations and address vaccine hesitancy with empathy and clarity.
Your Vaccine Management Partner
Contact CPP If your practice is searching for vaccine discounts, evaluating vaccine purchasing options, or looking for a vaccine management partner. CPP Buying Group offers vaccine savings, educational resources and grant programs to support your immunization program.
