FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008

CONTACT
Mark Salley
Communications
303-692-2013

Colorado’s Childhood Immunization Rate Reported for 2007

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

---30---

State of Colorado,  Department Home