Indicator 15: Young Children Immunized

 

Why This Is Important

Childhood vaccinations can prevent the diseases that killed or permanently impaired many
children in past decades. Studies have shown that over $13 is saved for every dollar invested
in measles/mumps/rubella vaccination. Vaccination is particularly important before children
enter preschool to prevent the spread of diseases.

 

 

 

Where We Stand

During the 1990s, Maine's childhood vaccination rates increased dramatically, to the highest
in the nation. No records exist of a Maine child dying of a vaccine-preventable disease during
the 1990s. As of 2004 , 86 % of Maine’s 19-35 month old children were age-appropriately
immunized. This was slightly better than the national percentage of 84%.

 

Data Sources and Context

Data comes from the National Immunization Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. The survey uses a phone survey to estimate vaccination coverage
levels for children age 19 to 35 months. Results for the year 1999 through 2004 surveys can be
found at http://www.cdc.gov/nip/coverage/nis-articles.htm#2004.

Children are considered to be “age-appropriately immunized” if they have “4:3:1 Series
Coverage,” that is, 4 doses of DPT (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) vaccine, 3 doses of
Poliovirus vaccine, and 1 dose of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine. For a child to
receive these immunizations, a minimum of 4 well child visits to a health care professional is
necessary.