CHILDHOOD VACCINATIONS: HHS Campaign Targets Hispanics
To raise awareness about the need to immunize children against preventable disease, HHS Secretary Donna Shalala yesterday launched a new public health education campaign targeting the Hispanic community, Reuters Health reports. To kickoff National Infant Immunization Week, Shalala unveiled the campaign, which includes a Spanish-language video, radio and television public service announcements and posters reminding parents that children should receive vaccinations against 10 preventable diseases by the age of two. Although the 80% childhood immunization rate is at its highest level ever, HHS would like the rates to surpass this level. Noting that the racial disparity in vaccination rates is at its lowest level ever, Shalala pointed out that 83% of non- Hispanic children have received all their immunizations compared to 77% of Hispanic children. Only 74% of black children have been completely immunized by age two. She said, "This administration is committed to ensuring that all children from all backgrounds are receiving the immunizations that can protect them against serious illnesses" (4/17).
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