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One in Five 2-year Olds Not Immunized
(May 2, 2008) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that more than twenty percent of children not fully protected against vaccine-preventable disease. In layman's terms, a fifth of children aren't getting their shots. (Read about "Immunizations")
"Immunization has been cited as one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century. We can now protect children from more vaccine-preventable diseases than ever before," said Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. "More than four million children are born each year in the U.S. and each one will need to be vaccinated. We prevent millions of cases of disease and thousands of deaths when we vaccinate them."
There are now vaccines to protect children against 15 diseases before age two. Despite recent gains in infant immunization coverage, more than 20 percent of the nation's two-year-olds are not fully immunized against infectious diseases to which they are especially vulnerable, according to CDC.
"A substantial number of children in the United States still aren't adequately protected from vaccine-preventable diseases," said Dr. Schuchat. "The suffering or death of even one child from a vaccine-preventable disease is an unnecessary human tragedy. Let us renew our efforts to ensure that no child, adolescent, or adult will have to needlessly suffer from a vaccine-preventable disease."
The number of cases of most vaccine-preventable diseases and deaths is at an all time low. Vaccination programs in the United States have contributed to the elimination of many vaccine-preventable diseases and have greatly reduced the incidence of most other vaccine-preventable diseases.
"Infants are more vulnerable to many diseases than older children and adults," said Dr. Schuchat. "Yet it's important for adults to also be vaccinated to keep themselves healthy and to keep from spreading infections to vulnerable people, including children."
Note: Statements and conclusions of study authors that are published here are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect this hospital's policy or position. This hospital makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability.
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