Gaps in childhood immunizations and preventive care visits during the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based cohort study of children in Ontario and Manitoba, Canada, 2016-2021.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

We aimed to estimate the changes to the delivery of routine immunizations and well-child visits through the pandemic.

Methods

Using linked administrative health data in Ontario and Manitoba, Canada (1 September 2016 to 30 September 2021), infants <12 months old (N=291,917 Ontario, N=33,994 Manitoba) and children between 12 and 24 months old (N=293,523 Ontario, N=33,001 Manitoba) exposed and unexposed to the COVID-19 pandemic were compared on rates of receipt of recommended a) vaccinations and b) well-child visits after adjusting for sociodemographic measures. In Ontario, vaccinations were captured using physician billings database, and in Manitoba they were captured in a centralized vaccination registry.

Results

Exposed Ontario infants were slightly more lik

SUBMITTER: Evans A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10484833 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature