Temporal Trends and Regional Disparities in Rotavirus Vaccine Coverage for Children Under 1-Year-old in Shandong Province, China

Background: Rotavirus vaccine is the most effective measure for preventing rotavirus-related diarrhea. The study aims to identify the coverage and trend of the rotavirus vaccine, providing insights for improving vaccination programs. Methods: Rotavirus vaccination data from 2005 to 2024 were collected and analyzed using Joinpoint regression to identify trends and significant changes over time. The analysis was stratified by economic status and service density to assess regional disparities. Annual percentage changes (APC) and average annual percentage changes (AAPC) were calculated. Results: Rotavirus vaccination coverage increased from 0.09% in 2005 to 24.25% in 2023, with higher coverage in regions with high economic status and low service density. The overall time trend of vaccination coverage shows an upward trend (AAPC = 22.51%; 95% CI: 18.17–36.62), with 3 turning points in 2012, 2017 and 2020. The coverage rate increased in 2005–2012 (APC = 39.50%; 95% CI: 21.50–112.51). After a decline in 2012–2017 (APC = −28.24%; 95% CI: −60.61 to −14.16), it surged and steadily increased in 2017−2020 (APC = 162.39%; 95% CI: 89.43–274.58) and 2020–2024 (APC=7.59%, 95% CI: 11.16–18.86), respectively. The AAPC was higher in areas with low Gross Domestic Product and high service density, but there was a gap in the average growth rate among regions. Conclusions: Rotavirus vaccination coverage varies depending on economic level and service density. And the low coverage of rotavirus vaccination among Chinese children means that socially disadvantaged children still bear a higher risk of disease burden, especially in regions with low Gross Domestic Product and high service density.