​​Immunizations for Adolescents—Combination 1

Measure Definition

The Immunizations for Adolescents—Combination 1 measure assesses the percentage of adolescents 13 years of age who had one dose of meningococcal vaccine and one tetanus, diphtheria toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) or one tetanus, diphtheria toxoids vaccine (Td) by their 13th birthday. The measure calculates a rate for each vaccine and one combination rate.

Importance​

Adolescent immunization rates have historically lagged behind early childhood immunization rates in the United States. In 2000, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reported that 3 million adolescents failed to receive at least one recommended vaccination. Low immunization rates among adolescents have the potential to cause outbreaks of preventable diseases and to establish reservoirs of disease in adolescents that can affect other populations including infants, the elderly, and individuals with chronic conditions. Immunization recommendations for adolescents have changed in recent years. In addition to assessing for immunizations that may have been missed, there are new vaccines targeted specifically to adolescents. This measure follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines for immunizations.

To see how Managed Care reported on Immunizations for Adolescents, click here.

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