Vaccination rates of school age children for the academic year 2002-2003 were a record breaker. For all vaccines except hepatitis B, the actual vaccination rate was 95% or higher for all states and the District of Columbia. The hepatitis B vaccination rate was nearly 90%.
For all states, these levels (95% or greater) were attained for kindergartners and/or first graders for three doses of poliovirus vaccine, and at least one dose containing containing mumps vaccine, measles vaccine, and rubella (German measles) vaccine.
In 39 states, the vaccination rate for four doses of the diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis vaccine was over 95%. The hepatitis B vaccination level was over 95% in 41 states.
The reason for such good vaccination rates is simple ‚ the requirement of up-to-date vaccinations before children are allowed to go to school. Vaccinating children is safe and the best way to prevent potentially life-threatening childhood diseases.
Family Practice News, 10/15/04.
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