Racial disparities in diarrhea-associated hospitalizations among children in five US States, before and after introduction of rotavirus vaccine

Abstract

Racial differences in diarrheal disease have not been systematically examined, and the impact of rotavirus vaccine on these differences has not been assessed. We compared diarrhea-associated hospitalizations by race/ethnicity among children <5 years pre- (2000-2006) and post- (2007 and 2008) rotavirus vaccine introduction in five US states. Pre-vaccine hospitalization rates were greater among whites versus blacks and Hispanics. However, black (versus non-black) infants <6 months and white (versus non-white) children ≥ 1 year had higher rates. In 2008, racial disparities for children 12-35 months resolved, but higher hospitalization rates among black infants <6 months persisted, highlighting the need for timely vaccination.