title: Childhood immunization programs: an analysis of policy issues.
abstract: Immunizations have been among the most successful of preventive interventions. However, concern exists in the United States that recent epidemics of vaccine-preventable diseases and low rates of childhood immunizations may signal the existence of major underlying problems in immunization policy. Additionally, the effectiveness of national, state, and local public health programs in administering these and other preventive services to children has been called into question. This article examines the current state of childhood immunizations in this country and offers a broad range of suggestions for policy modification.
authors.affiliation: Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7490.
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Freed
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Bordley
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: DeFriese
mesh_terms: D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D002662:Child Health Services; D002675:Child, Preschool; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006291:Health Policy; D006295:Health Resources / Q000592:standards; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000592:standards*; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000592:standards; D008484:Medicaid / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000592:standards; D014481:United States; D014612:Vaccines / Q000592:standards / Q000600:supply & distribution
chemical_list: D014612:Vaccines