Closing the gap on childhood immunization

In the wake of National Infant Immunization Week, increased emphasis is placed on the need for continued vaccination vigilance.

Editorial. May 26, 2008.

Measles. Mumps. Chickenpox. Polio. These are a mere sampling from the list of 16 life-threatening diseases against which very young children can be immunized.

Not too long ago, these illnesses had a haunting, everyday presence. Now, for many, these diseases are barely a memory.

This accomplishment is considered one of public health's greatest triumphs.

It's celebrated annually during National Infant Immunization Week. This year, from April 19 to April 26, events were held across the country to highlight successful programs and remind parents and health care professionals of the benefits of vaccination.

It's also a continuing call to action.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4 million children are born each year in the U.S., and each one should receive this array of shots during his or her first two years of life.

The American Medical Association has long-standing policy that supports this goal, endorsing the need for adequate resources and programs to ensure that children are vaccinated on schedule -- with an eye on reaching the Healthy People target of a 90% coverage rate by 2010.

So far, the message has found traction. Infant immunization coverage has topped 80%, based on government estimates.

But this figure has a flip side. About 20% of the nation's 2-year-olds still are not fully protected. A recent study conducted by CDC researchers set that percentage even higher.

They examined compliance with CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations and time frames -- a different tack than the usual dose-counting method. Their analysis, published April 29 by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, found that more than one in four children between the ages of 19 months and 35 months were not in compliance. Missed doses accounted for two-thirds of the nonadherence. Mistimed doses also came into play.