Exploring social determinants of childhood vaccination based on the National Immunization Surveys Data

Ensuring children receive vaccinations is essential for their health and community well-being, preventing serious diseases and fostering overall immunity. Nevertheless, the impact of social determinants of health on vaccination access underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address disparities and ensure equitable healthcare delivery for all children. This study investigates the impact of several social determinants on childhood vaccination in the United States using data from the National Immunization Surveys from 2010-2022. As a simple approach, ordinal logistic mixed-effect models is used to analyze vaccination patterns among children aged 19– 35 months as reported by parents or guardians. The study findings highlight associations between vaccination and key social factors, including the child’s age group, parents’ or guardians’ education level, and vaccination awareness due to the child being the firstborn. The results from this basic study provide insights into the nuanced relationships that influence vaccination practices.