Direct and Spillover Effects of Middle School Vaccination Requirements

A-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Economic Policy
Year: 2019
Volume: 11
Issue: 1
Pages: 95-125

Authors (2)

Christopher S. Carpenter (not in RePEc) Emily C. Lawler (University of Georgia)

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We study the direct and spillover effects of state requirements that middle school youths obtain a tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) booster prior to middle school entry. These mandates significantly increased Tdap vaccine take-up and reduced pertussis (whooping cough) incidence by about 32 percent. We also document cross-vaccine spillovers: the mandates significantly increased adolescent vaccination rates for meningococcal disease and human papillomavirus (HPV)—which is responsible for 98 percent of cervical cancers—by 8–34 percent, with particularly large effects for children from low SES households. We find important roles for both parents and providers in generating these spillovers.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejpol:v:11:y:2019:i:1:p:95-125
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25