Introduction: Underinsurance is a barrier to vaccination among children. Information on vaccination among adults aged ≥18 years by insurance status is limited. This study assesses vaccination coverage among adults aged ≥18 years in the U.S. in 2012 by health insurance status and access to care characteristics.
Methods: The 2012 National Health Interview Survey data were analyzed in 2014 to estimate vaccination coverage among adults aged ≥18 years by health insurance status for seven routinely recommended vaccines.
Results: Influenza vaccination coverage among adults aged ≥18 years without or with health insurance was 14.4% versus 44.3%, respectively; pneumococcal vaccination coverage among adults aged 18-64 years with high-risk conditions was 9.8% versus 23.0%; tetanus and diphtheria toxoid (Td) coverage (age ≥18 years) was 53.2% versus 64.5%; tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) coverage (age ≥18 years) was 8.4% versus 15.7%; hepatitis A (HepA) coverage (age 18-49 years) was 16.6% versus 19.8%; hepatitis B (HepB) coverage (age 18-49 years) was 27.5% versus 38.0%; shingles coverage (age ≥60 years) was 6.1% versus 20.8%; and human papillomavirus (HPV) coverage (women aged 18-26 years) was 20.9% versus 39.8%. In addition, vaccination coverage differed by insurance type, whether respondents had a regular physician, and number of physician contacts.
Conclusions: Overall, vaccination coverage among adults aged ≥18 years is lower among uninsured populations. Implementation of effective strategies is needed to help improve vaccination coverage among adults aged ≥18 years, especially those without health insurance.
Published by Elsevier Inc.