Determining immunization rates for inner-city infants: statewide registry data vs medical record review

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the benefit of consulting a statewide immunization registry for inner-city infants whose immunizations appeared- after single-site chart review- to have been delayed. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 315 newborns in 3 inner-city pediatric clinics. When the infants turned 7 months old- we obtained immunization data from clinic charts and the state registry. RESULTS: On the basis of chart review- 147 infants (47%) were assessed to be delayed in their immunizations/ of these- registry data revealed that 28 (19%) had received additional immunizations and 15 (10%) were actually up to date. CONCLUSIONS: A statewide registry can capture immunizations from multiple sources- improving accurate determination of immunization rates in a mobile- inner-city population.