To assess how many patients received their second dose within this time frame, Kaiser Family Foundation analyzed prescription drug claims data for 80,000 Medicare patients who received their first Shingrix dose between January and June of 2018.
Three findings:
1. About 74 percent of Medicare patients received their second dose within six months.
2. Follow-up rates were lower for people of color, those under 65 with long-term disabilities and low-income patients.
3. Seventy-six percent of white patients received the second dose within six months, compared to 61 percent of Black patients and 58 percent of Hispanic patients.
These findings underscore the challenge of vaccinating vulnerable populations against COVID-19, the researchers said. One bright side: Pfizer and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines both require a second dose just a month after the first, which could help eliminate some of the drop-off seen in follow-up vaccinations for Shingrix, the researchers said.
To view the full analysis, click here.
More articles on public health:
16 of the CDC’s most notable pandemic response actions
Pfizer vaccine nears emergency approval; daily COVID-19 deaths may surpass 9/11 toll for months, Redfield says — 5 updates
23 states where COVID-19 is spreading fastest, slowest: Dec. 14
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.