Noninfluenza Vaccination Coverage Among Adults — United States, 2012

Walter W. Williams, MD1, Peng-Jun Lu, MD, PhD1, Alissa O'Halloran, MSPH1, Carolyn B. Bridges, MD1,Tamara Pilishvili, MPH2, Craig M. Hales3, MD, Lauri E. Markowitz, MD4 (Author affiliations at end of text)

Vaccinations are recommended throughout life to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases and their sequelae. Adult vaccination coverage, however, remains low for most routinely recommended vaccines (1) and well below Healthy People 2020 targets.* In October 2013, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) approved the adult immunization schedule for 2014 (2). With the exception of influenza vaccination, which is recommended for all adults each year, vaccinations recommended for adults target different populations based on age, health conditions, behavioral risk factors (e.g., injection drug use), occupation, travel, and other indications (2). To assess vaccination coverage among adults aged ≥19 years for selected vaccines, CDC analyzed data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). This report summarizes the results of that analysis for pneumococcal, tetanus toxoid–containing (tetanus and diphtheria vaccine [Td] or tetanus and diphtheria with acellular pertussis vaccine [Tdap]), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, herpes zoster (shingles), and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines by selected characteristics (age, race/ethnicity,† and vaccination target criteria). Influenza vaccination coverage estimates for the 2012–13 influenza season have been published separately (3). Compared with 2011 (1), only modest increases occurred in Tdap vaccination among adults aged 19–64 years, herpes zoster vaccination among adults aged ≥60 years, and HPV vaccination among women aged 19–26 years; coverage among adults in the United States for the other vaccines did not improve. Racial/ethnic gaps in coverage persisted for all six vaccines and widened for Tdap, herpes zoster, and HPV vaccination. Increases in vaccination coverage are needed to reduce the occurrence of vaccine-preventable diseases among adults. The Community Preventive Services Task Force and other authorities have recommended that health-care providers incorporate vaccination needs assessment, recommendation, and offer of vaccination into routine clinical practice for adult patients (4,5).

The NHIS collects information about the health and health care of the noninstitutionalized, civilian population in the United States using nationally representative samples. Interviews are conducted in respondents' homes by the U.S. Census Bureau for CDC's National Center for Health Statistics. Questions about receipt of recommended vaccinations for adults are asked of one randomly selected adult within each family in the household. The presence of high-risk conditions,§ as defined by ACIP for pneumococcal disease, was determined by responses to questions in the NHIS (2). Comprehensive information on all high-risk conditions for hepatitis B or A were not collected in the 2012 NHIS. Analyses were conducted to estimate Tdap vaccination of adults aged ≥65 years being collected in the NHIS for the first time starting in 2012. The final sample adult component response rate for the 2012 NHIS was 61.2%. Weighted data¶ were used to produce national vaccination coverage estimates. Point estimates and estimates of corresponding variances were calculated using statistical software to account for the complex sample design. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05.

Pneumococcal Vaccination Coverage

Pneumococcal vaccination coverage (overall, for 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine [PPSV23], and for 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine [PCV13]) among adults aged 19–64 years at high risk was 20.0% overall, similar to the estimate from 2011 (Table 1). Coverage among whites aged 19–64 years at high risk was higher (21.4%) compared with Hispanics (13.8%) and Asians (13.2%), but coverage was not significantly different for blacks and non-Hispanics who indicated a race other than white, black, or Asian. Among adults aged ≥65 years, coverage was 59.9% overall, similar to the estimate for 2011. Coverage among whites aged ≥65 years (64.0%) was higher compared with all other racial/ethnic groups (Table 1.).

Tetanus Vaccination Coverage

In 2012, the proportion of adults receiving any tetanus toxoid–containing vaccine during the past 10 years was 64.2% for adults aged 19–49 years, 63.5% for adults aged 50–64 years, and 55.1% for adults aged ≥65 years (Table 1). The proportion of adults receiving tetanus vaccination during the past 10 years across all age groups did not change compared with 2011 (1). Whites had higher coverage across all age groups compared with blacks, Hispanics, and Asians.

Data on Tdap vaccination of adults aged ≥65 years were collected for the first time in 2012. Among adults aged ≥19 years for whom Tdap vaccination specifically could be assessed (including adults aged ≥65 years), overall coverage was 14.2% (Table 1). Tdap coverage was estimated after excluding from the 34,218 respondents all those for whom Tdap vaccination could not be confirmed, including those without a "yes" or "no" response for tetanus vaccination status in the past 10 years (n = 1,861 [5.4%]) or during 2005–2012 (n = 1,261 [3.7%]), and those who reported tetanus vaccination during 2005–2012 but were not told the vaccine type (n = 6,986 [20.4%]) or did not know the vaccine type (Td or Tdap) (n = 1,457 [4.3%]). Tdap coverage for black (9.8%) and Hispanic (8.7%) adults aged ≥19 years was lower compared with whites (16.1%), but coverage for those who indicated a race other than Asian, black, or white, and non-Hispanic ethnicity was higher (21.4%) than that for whites. Among adults aged 19–64 years, Tdap coverage increased compared with 2011 (a 3.2 percentage point increase to 15.6%) (Table 1); however, coverage among adults aged 19–64 years who reported living with an infant aged <1 year** was 25.9%, similar to the estimate for 2011. Tdap coverage among adults aged 19–64 years without household contact with an infant aged <1 year increased compared with 2011 (a 3.1 percentage point increase to 15.1%). Tdap coverage was higher for whites aged 19–64 years (18.2%) compared with blacks (10.5%) or Hispanics (9.2%). Tdap vaccination coverage among adults aged ≥65 years, overall and among those without household contact with an infant aged <1 year, was 8.0%. The sample was too small to estimate Tdap coverage among adults aged ≥65 years living with an infant aged <1 year. Coverage among Hispanics (3.3%) and Asians (4.2%) aged ≥65 years was lower than for whites (8.8%).

Among 13,145 respondents who received a tetanus vaccination during 2005–2012, 52.6% reported that they were not informed of the vaccination type, and 11.1% could not recall what type of tetanus vaccination they had received (Table 2). Of the remaining 36.3% of respondents who reported they knew what type of tetanus vaccine they received, 65.4% reported receiving Tdap.

During 2005–2012, Tdap vaccination of health-care personnel (HCP) aged ≥19 years was 31.4% (Table 3). White HCP had higher Tdap coverage (33.0%) compared with black HCP (22.5%) and Hispanic HCP (25.1%). Compared with 2011, Tdap coverage increased for HCP aged 19–64 years (by 5.8 percentage points to 32.6%). Tdap coverage among HCP aged ≥65 years was 16.9% (Table 3).

Among adults aged 19–64 years who received a tetanus vaccination and reported they knew what type of tetanus vaccine they received, HCP were more likely to report receipt of Tdap (76.8%) than were non-HCP (64.3%) (Table 2). Tdap vaccination was similar among adults aged ≥65 years who were or were not HCP (Table 2).

Hepatitis A Vaccination Coverage

Hepatitis A vaccination coverage (≥2 doses) among adults aged 19–49 years was low overall (12.2%), and similar to the estimate for 2011 (12.5%). Coverage was higher for Asians (18.7%) than for whites (12.2%), but coverage for Hispanics (10.5%) was lower than for whites. Vaccination coverage was higher (18.9%) among adults aged 19–49 years who had traveled outside the United States since 1995 to a country of high or intermediate hepatitis A endemicity (countries other than Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the countries of Europe) than among respondents who did not travel outside the United States or had traveled only to countries of low endemicity (8.6%). Vaccination coverage among adult travelers to highly endemic countries was similar to the estimate for 2011 (Table 1). Coverage among those with chronic liver conditions could not be reliably estimated because of small sample size.

Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage

In 2012, comprehensive information on high-risk status for hepatitis B virus infection was not collected. Overall hepatitis B vaccination coverage (≥3 doses) among all adults aged 19–49 years was 35.3%, similar to the estimate for 2011 (Table 1). Vaccination coverage was lower for blacks (34.2%) and Hispanics (27.1%) compared with whites (37.5%). Vaccination coverage for persons with diabetes was 28.6% for those aged 19–59 years and 15.1% for those aged ≥60 years, similar to the estimates for 2011. Overall, hepatitis B vaccination coverage among HCP was 65.0%, similar to the estimate for 2011, and coverage among HCP did not differ significantly across racial/ethnic groups (Table 3).

Herpes Zoster Vaccination Coverage

In 2012, 20.1% of adults aged ≥60 years reported receiving herpes zoster vaccination to prevent shingles, an increase from the 15.8% reported in 2011 (Table 1). Coverage for whites aged ≥60 years increased by 5.2 percentage points compared with herpes zoster vaccination coverage estimates in 2011. Whites aged ≥60 years had higher herpes zoster vaccination coverage (22.8%) compared with blacks (8.8%), Hispanics (8.7%), and Asians (16.9%).

HPV Vaccination Coverage

In 2012, 34.5% of women aged 19–26 years reported receipt of ≥1 dose of HPV vaccine, an increase of 5 percentage points from the 29.5% reported for 2011 (Table 1) (1). Coverage was 44.3% among women aged 19–21 years and 28.2% among those aged 22–26 years (a 6.7 percentage point increase in this age group compared with 2011). Among women aged 19–26 years, blacks (29.1%), Hispanics (18.7%), and Asians (15.6%) had lower coverage compared with whites (42.2%), but coverage for non-Hispanics who indicated a race other than white, black, or Asian was similar to that of whites (41.2%). Receipt of ≥1 dose of HPV vaccine among males aged 19–26 years (2.3%) was similar to the estimate for 2011. Coverage was 2.4% for males aged 19–21 years and 2.2% for those aged 22–26 years.

Editorial Note

In 2011, adult vaccination coverage in the United States for diseases other than influenza was similar to 2011, except for modest increases in Tdap vaccination for adults aged 19–64 years, herpes zoster vaccination among older adults, and HPV vaccination among women aged 19–26 years, with no improvements in coverage for the other vaccines recommended for adults. Many adults have not received one or more recommended vaccines. Vaccination coverage estimates for the three vaccines in this report that are included in Healthy People 2020 (pneumococcal, herpes zoster, and hepatitis B [for HCP] vaccines) are well below the respective target levels of 90% for persons aged ≥65 years and 60% for persons aged 18–64 years at high risk (pneumococcal vaccine [objectives IID 13.1 and IID 13.2, respectively]), 30% (herpes zoster vaccine [IID 14]), and 90% (hepatitis B vaccine for HCP [IID 15.3]). In addition, racial/ethnic gaps in coverage persisted for all six and widened for Tdap, herpes zoster, and HPV vaccination, with higher coverage for whites compared with other groups. These data indicate little progress was made in improving adult coverage in the past year and highlight the need for continuing efforts to increase adult vaccination coverage.

In 2006, ACIP recommended that adults aged 19–64 years receive a single dose of Tdap to replace a dose of Td for active booster vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis if they received their most recent dose of Td ≥10 years earlier (6). In 2010, ACIP recommended Tdap, when indicated, should be administered regardless of interval since the last Td, and that adults aged ≥65 years who have or who anticipate having close contact with an infant aged <1 year, and who previously have not received Tdap, should receive a dose of Tdap to protect against pertussis and reduce the likelihood of transmission. In 2011, in an effort to prevent pertussis in infants, ACIP recommended a dose of Tdap for pregnant women who have not yet received a dose, then in 2012, expanded the recommendation for a Tdap dose during every pregnancy. In 2012, ACIP also updated the adult Tdap vaccination recommendation to include all adults aged ≥19 years who have not yet received a dose of Tdap, including those aged ≥65 years (6). Information on Tdap vaccination of adults aged ≥65 years was collected in the 2012 NHIS for the first time. Overall Tdap vaccination of adults aged ≥65 years was low; the sample size was too small to estimate coverage among adults aged ≥65 years living with an infant aged <1 year. Tdap vaccination coverage in 2012 among adults aged ≥65 years could reflect vaccination of those who received Tdap previously because of close contact with an infant aged <1 year, as well as early uptake in response to this recommendation. Health-care providers should not miss an opportunity to vaccinate adults aged ≥19 years who have not received Tdap previously.

In June 2012, ACIP recommended routine use of PCV13 in series with PPSV23 for adults aged ≥19 years with immunocompromising conditions, functional or anatomic asplenia, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, or cochlear implants.†† Given the high burden of invasive pneumococcal disease caused by serotypes in PPSV23, but not in PCV13, ACIP noted that broader protection might be provided through use of both pneumococcal vaccines. Current ACIP recommendations call for use of PPSV23 in adults aged 19–64 years with chronic conditions that are not immunocompromising, such as chronic heart disease or diabetes, at the time of diagnosis of the high-risk condition (6). All adults are eligible for a dose of PPSV23 at age 65 years, regardless of previous PPSV23 or PCV13 vaccination; however, a minimum interval of 5 years between PPSV23 doses should be maintained. The 2012 NHIS did not estimate the proportion of pneumococcal vaccinations by type (PCV13 versus PPSV23). The overall pneumococcal vaccination estimates in this report could include some respondents who received PCV13.

In December 2011, ACIP recommended administration of hepatitis B vaccine to unvaccinated adults with diabetes aged 19–59 years (category A recommendation) or aged ≥60 years (category B recommendation) (6). The recommendations were based on available information about risk for contracting acute hepatitis B among persons with diabetes, morbidity and mortality among persons with diabetes, available vaccines, age at diagnosis of diabetes, and cost-effectiveness (6). Category A recommendations are made for all persons in an age- or risk-factor–based group. Category B recommendations do not apply to all persons within a group, they provide guidance to clinicians to help determine whether vaccination is appropriate for specific patients. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage in 2012 among persons with diabetes remained similar to estimates obtained before this recommendation and highlights the need to improve awareness of increased risk for contracting acute hepatitis B among persons with diabetes and to increase hepatitis B vaccination in this population.

Herpes zoster vaccination coverage increased in 2012 compared with 2011. Shortages of herpes zoster vaccine that might have contributed to lower uptake during the first years after licensure appear to have been resolved in 2012. The cost of herpes zoster vaccine and billing challenges might pose barriers for some patients and providers.§§

The percentage of age-eligible females who reported having received HPV vaccine increased steadily from 2009 to 2012 but is still low. A significant increase in HPV vaccination in 2012 compared with 2011 occurred among women aged 19–26 years (5.0 percentage points). An increase was observed among women aged 22–26 years (6.7 percentage points), but not among women aged 19–21 years. Because no data on age at vaccination were collected, it was not possible to determine whether vaccination occurred as part of an adolescent vaccination program or at age ≥19 years. In 2012, white women had higher HPV coverage than black, Hispanic, or Asian women. Similar findings have been reported previously (7). The percentage of age-eligible adult males administered HPV vaccine in 2012 was similar to the 2011 estimate. Coverage levels for adult males did not change during the first year following the ACIP recommendation for routine use of HPV vaccine in males aged 11–21 years and males aged 22–26 years at high risk (6). However, among adolescent males aged 13–17 years, 2012 HPV coverage estimates were higher than 2011 estimates (8). Continued efforts are needed to ensure coverage among the primary target group for HPV vaccine, girls and boys aged 11–12 years, and among all racial and ethnic groups. Efforts are also needed to improve catch-up vaccination among young adults who have not completed their vaccinations during adolescence.

The findings in this report are subject to at least five limitations. First, the NHIS sample excludes persons in the military and those residing in institutions, which might result in underestimation or overestimation of vaccination coverage levels. Second, the response rate was 61.2%. A low response rate can result in selection bias if the respondents and nonrespondents differ in their vaccination rates. Third, the determination of vaccination status and identification of high-risk conditions in NHIS were not validated by medical records. Self-report of vaccination might be subject to recall bias and overestimation of rates. However, adult self-reported vaccination status has been shown to be sensitive for all six vaccines in this report and specific for all except tetanus vaccination (9). Fourth, the Tdap estimate is subject to considerable uncertainty. Many respondents were excluded from estimations of Tdap coverage, creating a potential for bias. All respondents who reported a tetanus vaccination during 2005–2012 but were unable to say whether Td or Tdap was used were excluded. Sensitivity calculations were conducted to assess the magnitude of potential bias. Depending on what proportion of excluded respondents actually received Tdap, actual Tdap coverage could fall within the range of 11.2%–39.4% for adults aged 19–64 years and 6.0%–31.0% for adults aged ≥65 years. Comparisons of Tdap coverage across years within subgroups might be affected by bias resulting from excluding persons who did not report the type of tetanus vaccine they received. Finally, age at vaccination is not known for vaccines adults reported having "ever" received (e.g., HPV and hepatitis B vaccines), so it is not clear for younger adults whether vaccination occurred as an adult or as part of a child or adolescent vaccination program.

Vaccination coverage levels among adults are low. Improvement in adult vaccination is needed to reduce the health consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases among adults and to prevent pertussis morbidity and mortality in infants, who need the protection afforded by the Tdap vaccination during pregnancy recommendation. Successful vaccination programs combine 1) education of potential vaccine recipients and publicity to promote vaccination, 2) increased access to vaccination services in medical settings, and 3) use of practices shown to improve vaccination coverage, including reminder-recall systems, efforts to remove administrative and financial barriers to vaccination, use of standing order programs for vaccination, and assessment of practice-level vaccination rates with feedback to staff members (4). Health-care provider recommendations for vaccination are associated with patient vaccination (10). Routine assessment of adult patient vaccination needs, recommendation, and offer of needed vaccinations for adults should be incorporated into routine clinical care of adults (4,5). The adult immunization schedule (2), updated annually, provides current recommendations for vaccinating adults and a ready resource for persons who provide health-care services for adults in various settings.

1Immunization Services Division; 2Division of Bacterial Diseases; 3Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases; 4Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC (Corresponding author: Walter W. Williams, www1@cdc.gov, 404-718-8734)

References

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