Descriptive research was conducted to describe the relationships among host and environmental factors and immunization compliance in two year old children. Secondary data was collected from a sample of 306 well baby clinic records in a public health department in a Southwestern state. Results revealed statistically significant differences between the compliant and noncompliant groups for income and number of children living at home. Higher income, higher maternal age, fewer number of children, and races other than of Spanish origin were significantly correlated with children who received all immunizations at the appropriate age. Significant relationships were found between children who received all immunizations at the public health department versus children who received immunizations from both a public and private provider. Compliant children made more visits for immunizations and fewer other visits than noncompliant children. These factors can assist in identifying children at highest risk for failure to receive immunization on time.

This project examines the role of immunization registries and their effect on a health care delivery system. Recent efforts to attain coverage of child populations by recommended vaccines have included initiatives by federal and state agencies, as well as private foundations, to develop and implement statewide community-based childhood immunization registries.