Colorado’s Childhood Immunization Rate Reported for 2007
Sept. 4, 2008 - DENVER - According to the annual
National Immunization Survey from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Colorado’s rate for fully immunizing
the state’s children, from birth to age 35 months, was 78.0
percent (plus or minus 7.8 percent) in 2007, above the
national average of 77.4 percent. The 2007 rate represents
an increase from the 2006 rate of 75.9 percent.
This is the third year the CDC has reported immunization
rates using a series of six specific immunizations that help
protect children from childhood diseases. Prior to 2004, the
CDC reported on a series of just five immunizations. Those
five vaccinations included diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis
or whooping cough (DTaP); haemophilus influenzae type b;
hepatitis B; measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); and polio. In
the 2005 survey, a sixth vaccination – for varicella, or
chickenpox – was added to the series.
In the ranking of all 50 states, using the series of six
immunizations, Colorado ranked 18th in 2007. Accounting for
the statistical variation associated with the survey,
however, there is no difference between Colorado’s ranking
and all but the three highest ranked states: New Hampshire,
Maryland and Connecticut. Ned Calonge, chief medical
officer for the Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment, said, “We are very pleased that we are closing
in on Gov. Bill Ritter’s goal for the state to surpass an 80
percent immunization rate as measured by the CDC. Accounting
for the statistical confidence intervals, we are where we
hoped to be. However, there is still considerable room for
improvement as we seek to ensure that all Colorado children
have the opportunity to be fully immunized against important
preventable infectious diseases. “The CDC annual report of
statewide immunization rates is a great time to remind
parents about the importance of childhood immunizations.
These immunizations are a proven public health measure that
protects our children’s health,” added Calonge. Major
efforts of the Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment to improve childhood immunization rates include
- expanding the state’s immunization registry so
parents can be notified when vaccinations are due;
- establishing the Vaccine Advisory Committee for
Colorado with Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien, medical experts
and public health leaders who are working
collaboratively through five subcommittees to review
current immunization issues and strategize on approaches
to improve immunization coverage rates;
- developing a long-term public awareness marketing
plan including focus on parent and provider education
and timely campaigns throughout the year such as
National Infant Immunization Week, as well as Back to
School and Influenza season awareness efforts;
- providing grant funding to 22 local public health
agencies for community outreach clinics to ensure that
families have access to immunizations; and
- participating in the federal Vaccines for Children
program that allows the state to distribute free
vaccines to local private and public health providers
for children who are eligible for Medicaid, are
uninsured or are Native American or Alaskan natives.
The Colorado Immunization Program, based at the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment,
promotes and facilitates the prevention of these
vaccine-preventable diseases in Colorado through
investigation, education, increasing and maintaining
vaccine coverage, and ensuring access to immunization
services for Coloradans of all ages.
“Of course, community child health care providers are
the real heroes who should be credited with the success
of the immunization program,” said Calonge. “In addition
to providing other medical services, they provide
parents with information about the importance of
vaccinations, and they give the shots. Parents should
have the best information possible regarding vaccines to
answer their questions and allow them to make the best
plans and decisions for their children. So we urge
parents to discuss immunizations with their provider.”
Parents interested in obtaining information about
low-cost immunization clinics should call 1-877-462-2911
or visit
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/immunization/index.html
|
