The findings in this report, based on 2005 NHIS data, include
the first national estimate of influenza vaccination coverage in
children with current asthma. The analysis indicated a lower
coverage rate (29.0%) during the 2004-05 influenza season than a
previous study based on BRFSS data (34.8%) that included
children with conditions placing them at high risk for influenza
complications.5 Because BRFSS and NHIS have different survey
methodologies, a difference was not unexpected. The BRFSS
analysis included children with conditions other than asthma,
including other lung problems, heart problems, diabetes, kidney
problems, a weakened immune system, anemia, or aspirin therapy
for chronic conditions. In addition, this study based on NHIS
data used September-February as its time frame for influenza
vaccination, whereas the BRFSS study used September-January.
Finally, BRFSS is conducted in all states and DC, whereas NHIS
uses a sampling method designed to produce an accurate national
estimate without including all