This week, the 2014 National Immunization Survey for toddlers was released by the CDC and the data reveals that the majority of parents are vaccinating their children between 19-35 months of age. The report’s statistics show Arizona has higher vaccination coverage than the national average for the Hepatitis B birth dose and Rotavirus vaccines, according to Cara M. Christ, M.D. Director for the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS).
Christ repors that according to the NIS, Arizona vaccination coverage is below the national average for several other vaccines, including MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), Polio, and Hepatitis A. Since 2013, however, Arizona has seen an increase in vaccination coverage for Pneumococcal vaccine and for the completion of the recommended 4:3:1:3:3:1:4 series (4 DTaP, 3 Polio, 1 Varicella, 3 Hib, 3 Hep B, 1 MMR, 4 PCV).
ADHS data show Arizona’s coverage levels to be much higher than what is reported in the NIS. Christ says that high coverage rates for childhood vaccines explain why most vaccine-preventable diseases are at record low levels.
Christ says that while vaccination rates remain high in Arizona, there is still much work to be done to increase vaccination coverage and ensure herd immunity.