The percentage of children 2 years of age who had a four diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP); three polio (IPV); one measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); three haemophilus influenza type B (HiB); three hepatitis B (HepB), one chicken pox (VZV); four pneumococcal conjugate (PCV); one hepatitis A (HepA); two or three rotavirus (RV); and two influenza (flu) vaccines by their second birthday.
The measure calculates a rate for each vaccine and nine separate combination rates.
Why It Matters?
Childhood vaccines protect children from a number of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases such as diphtheria, measles, meningitis, polio, tetanus and whooping cough, at a time in their lives when they are most vulnerable to disease.¹′² Approximately 300 children in the United States die each year from vaccine preventable diseases.³
Immunizations are essential for disease prevention and are a critical aspect of preventable care for children. Vaccination coverage must be maintained in order to prevent a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases.4
Historical Results – National Averages
References
- Mayo Clinic. 2014. “Infant and Toddler Health.Childhood Vaccines: Tough questions, straight answers. Do vaccines cause autism? Is it OK to skip certain vaccines? Get the facts on these and other common questions.” http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vaccines/CC00014
- Institute of Medicine. January 2013. “The Childhood Immunization Schedule and Safety: Stakeholder Concerns, Scientific Evidence, and Future Studies.” Report Brief.
- gov. 2013. “Immunizations and Infectious Diseases.” http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=23
- Diekema, D.S. 2012. “Improving Childhood Vaccination Rates.” N Engl J Med 366:39;1-3 http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1113008