Background: Assessment of vaccination coverage is an important component of the U.S. vaccination program and is primarily measured by the National Immunization Survey (NIS).
Methods: The 1999 NIS is a nationally representative sample of children aged 19 to 35 months, verified by provider records, that is conducted to obtain estimates of vaccination coverage rates. Coverage estimates are calculated for the nation, states, and selected urban areas for recommended vaccines and selected vaccine series.
Results: Coverage estimates are presented by a variety of demographic and healthcare-related factors: overall, by poverty status, race/ethnicity, selected milestone ages, participation in WIC, level of urbanicity, provider participation in VFC, and by provider facility type. In 1999, national coverage estimates were high for most vaccines and among most demographic groups. State and urban-area level estimates varied.