News in brief - July 24, 2000

Immunization rates stay strong

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, overall immunization rates for preschool children remained at 80% in 1999, and rates for four specific vaccines increased. Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala, PhD, heralded the report, saying vaccines have resulted in "a breathtaking decline in suffering and death."

Specifically, vaccine coverage for toddlers increased to 93.5% for Haemophilus influenzae type b; to 95.9% for three doses of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; and 88.1% for three doses of hepatitis B vaccine. Rates for varicella vaccine were up 16.2% in one year, from 43.2% in 1998 to 59.4% in 1999.

Overall, coverage for routinely recommended childhood vaccines has increased since 1993, when the Childhood Immunization Initiative was implemented.