OPINION

Shot in the arm for immunizations: Assistance on the way

A new AMA primer for physicians tackles an aspect of racial disparities by promoting on-time vaccinations for all.

Editorial. July 11, 2005.

The recent release by the American Medical Association of a new primer, "Improving Immunization: Addressing Racial and Ethnic Populations," is another important milestone in the increasingly close relationship between the medical and public health sectors.

"Improving Immunizations" is the third in the Roadmaps for Clinical Practice series produced by the AMA. It is designed to provide easy-to-use tools for physicians to help them ensure that their patients' immunizations are up to date. The primer, available via the Internet, also provides important information for patients and their families, including immunization schedules for both children and adults.

There can be little debate about the value of immunizations, but it is an area that too frequently is taken for granted by both patients and health care workers. Vaccines now protect patients from at least 14 diseases that at one time or another were prevalent in the United States. But there is widespread evidence that many individuals -- particularly in minority communities -- are not receiving the benefits available from these vaccines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that coverage rates for vaccine-preventable diseases average less than 70% nationally.

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