Contra Costa County Sees Disparity in Immunizations
The number of children in Contra Costa County who have received the recommended vaccinations by age two has increased since 2000 but remains lower for the county's minority populations, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Erika Jenssen, immunization coordinator for Contra Costa Public Health, said more than 75% of all children in the county have received their recommended infant and toddler vaccinations by age two. The figure represents a 12% increase since 2000.
However, about 65% of black children and 72% of Hispanic children are immunized, compared with 85% of white children, according to 2006 immunization statistics.
Jenssen said that progress is being made to reduce the disparity, adding that the rate of black children receiving immunizations has risen by 17% since 2000 (Treadway, Contra Costa Times, 5/2).