News Releases for May 2002
May 2, 2002
For further information, please Contact: Barbara Frohlich
Immunization Program Manager
North Dakota Department of Health
Phone: (701) 328-2035 or 1-800-472-2180
Email: bafrohli@nd.gov
North Dakota Recognized For High Childhood Immunization Levels
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven announced today that the North Dakota Department of Health was recognized at the 36th annual National Immunization Conference in Denver for being one of four states with the highest childhood immunization rates in the nation. Also honored with North Dakota this week were Maine, North Carolina and Vermont.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 85 percent of preschool children in North Dakota from July 2000 through June 2001 received recommended vaccines on time. This included four doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine; three doses of polio vaccine; one measles-containing vaccine; and three doses of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine. The national coverage level is 77 percent.
“This accomplishment could not have occurred without collaboration between the public health community and private providers,” Hoeven said. “I commend them for their efforts and encourage them to continue to give children a healthy start in life by protecting them against childhood diseases.”
Childhood vaccinations are a major factor in the reduction and elimination of many causes of death and disease in children. For most of the vaccine-preventable diseases, there have been reductions in disease of 95 percent or more.
“Vaccines are one of our most cost-effective tools to prevent disease and death,” said State Health Officer Terry Dwelle, M.D., M.P.H. “They not only prevent a vaccinated person from developing a potentially serious disease, but they also help protect the entire community by reducing the spread of infectious agents.”
National coverage for routinely recommended childhood vaccines has increased substantially since 1993, when the federal government implemented the Childhood Immunization Initiative. While national coverage for the recommended vaccines remains at or near record high levels, the national goal is to vaccinate 90 percent of 2 year olds with all of the recommended vaccinations.
“Immunizing children against infectious diseases is a central mission for the North Dakota Department of Health,” Dwelle said. “Although we have made great strides in our efforts, we will continue to work to reach every child who remains unvaccinated and at risk.”
Parents who have questions about vaccinations should talk with their health provider or call the North Dakota Department of Health toll free at 1.800.472.2180.
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