Pediatric vaccination and vaccine-preventable disease acquisition: associations with care by complementary and alternative medicine providers

Matern Child Health J. 2010 Nov;14(6):922-30. doi: 10.1007/s10995-009-0519-5.

Abstract

This study investigated provider-based complementary/alternative medicine use and its association with receipt of recommended vaccinations by children aged 1-2 years and with acquisition of vaccine-preventable disease by children aged 1-17 years. Results were based on logistic regression analysis of insurance claims for pediatric enrollees covered by two insurance companies in Washington State during 2000-2003. Primary exposures were use of chiropractic, naturopathy, acupuncture, or massage practitioner services by pediatric enrollees or members of their immediate families. Outcomes included receipt by children aged 1-2 years of four vaccine combinations (or their component vaccines) covering seven diseases, and acquisition of vaccine-preventable diseases by enrollees aged 1-17 years. Children were significantly less likely to receive each of the four recommended vaccinations if they saw a naturopathic physician. Children who saw chiropractors were significantly less likely to receive each of three of the recommended vaccinations. Children aged 1-17 years were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with a vaccine-preventable disease if they received naturopathic care. Use of provider-based complementary/alternative medicine by other family members was not independently associated with early childhood vaccination status or disease acquisition. Pediatric use of complementary/alternative medicine in Washington State was significantly associated with reduced adherence to recommended pediatric vaccination schedules and with acquisition of vaccine-preventable disease. Interventions enlisting the participation of complementary/alternative medicine providers in immunization awareness and promotional activities could improve adherence rates and assist in efforts to improve public health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Complementary Therapies / psychology
  • Complementary Therapies / statistics & numerical data*
  • Delivery of Health Care / methods*
  • Female
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Insurance Claim Reporting / statistics & numerical data*
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data*
  • Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Washington

Substances

  • Vaccines