Barriers and Potential Solutions to Increasing Immunization Rates in Adolescents

Abstract 

The creation of the adolescent vaccine platform presents both opportunities and challenges. Many of the barriers to vaccinating adolescents are similar to those of vaccinating younger children. However, adolescents have additional issues, such as their rapidly changing emotional and cognitive development, which can shape their immunization receptivity. Adolescents' lower rates of contact with the healthcare system for both acute and preventive health care result in fewer immunization opportunities. Potential solutions to increase adolescent immunization rates include the following: first, further development of computerized immunization information systems that contain the complete immunization history and flag recommended immunizations. Second, widely adopting a single state middle/high school mandate for the adolescent immunization platform to bring adolescents in for immunizations, which could result in the fulfillment of all recommended immunizations. Finally, implementing proposed financing changes to better apply Vaccines for Children coverage, reimbursement and administration fees in the public sector, and changes to private health insurance plans coverage.

Keywords: Meningococcal vaccination, Barriers, Adolescent, Immunization