OBJECTIVE:

To better understand the effects of socioeconomic factors on racial disparities in childhood vaccination.

METHODS:

The National Immunization Survey data collected in 1999-2003 among children 19-35 months of age were analyzed using chisquare tests for trends and logistic regression modeling. Statistical significance was based on P<0.05.

RESULTS:

When adjusted by mother's education and household income, racial disparities in childhood vaccination were substantially reduced. The adjustment for mother's education reduced the disparity only slightly, but the adjustment for household income had the greater impact.

CONCLUSIONS:

Research should examine socioeconomic differences across populations to better understand racial disparities in health.