One-fifth Of US 2-year-olds Not Fully Immunized, Warns CDC

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Main Category: Immune System / Vaccines
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health;  Public Health
Article Date: 29 Apr 2008 - 8:00 PST

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that over 20% of American 2-year-olds are not fully immunized against infectious diseases to which they are particularly susceptible. A joint venture between the CDC and HHS (US Department of Health and Human Services) has been reminding parents, caregivers and healthcare providers of the benefits of immunization, as well as the importance of routine childhood vaccination.

Dr. Anne Schuchat, Director, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said "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. 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."

Children can be protected against 15 different infectious diseases by the time they are two years old, reports the CDC.

Dr. Schuchat added "A substantial number of children in the United States still aren't adequately protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. 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 vaccine-preventable diseases and deaths in the USA is currently at an all-time low. The CDC stresses that these vaccination programs have contributed to the elimination of several vaccine-preventable disease. They have significantly lowered the incidence of nearly all other vaccine-preventable diseases.

"Infants are more vulnerable to many diseases than older children and adults. 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," said Dr. Schuchat.

There is a serious risk that many of these vaccine-preventable diseases, which still prevail in many parts of the world, will come back to the USA if high vaccine coverage levels are not maintained. A conscientious effort is needed to make sure that immunization programs remain strong in the USA, the CDC informs. Public awareness and education campaigns are planned for many parts of the USA and the entire Western Hemisphere.

www.cdc.gov/vaccines

Written by - Christian Nordqvist
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